Liquid fabric enhancers comprising branched polyester molecules

ABSTRACT

The present invention relates to fabric cleaning and/or treatment compositions as well as methods of making and using same. Such fabric cleaning and/or treatment compositions contain species of glyceride copolymers that have the required viscosity and lubricity. Thus, such species of glyceride copolymers provide improved softening performance and formula ability.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to liquid fabric enhancers as well asmethods of making and using same.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Quaternary ammonium softeners are popularly used as softening actives inliquid fabric enhancers to soften fabrics. Unfortunately, these currentsoftening actives have several drawbacks which include a narrow pHformulation window, less than desirable stability and/or softeningperformance. In an effort to alleviate such drawbacks, new softeningactives continue to be developed. These include polymeric softeningagents like silicone and polyethylene waxes. These softening activesdeliver superior performance compared to conventional quaternaryammonium compounds. However, such softening actives are expensive,difficult to process and often not biodegradable.

Applicants recognized that the aforementioned drawbacks are due to oneor more of the following factors: hydrolytic stability and lack ofcompatibility with anionic materials such as anionic surfactants forquaternary ammonium compounds; excessively high molecular weights andthe high viscosity of the polymeric softening actives makes themdifficult to process and dispose of. Further, synthetically derivedpolymeric materials are not as biodegradable as desired.

Applicants recognized that the branched polyester polymers disclosed inthe present specification have the required molecular weight, iodinevalue and lubricity to allow them to serve as softening actives in aliquid fabric enhancer. When combined with certain fabric and home careingredients, such branched polyester polymers can result in a liquidfabric enhancer that exhibits synergistic performance gains.Furthermore, branched polyester polymers of the type disclosed hereinare easier to emulsify and process into a liquid fabric enhancer.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to liquid fabric enhances as well asmethods of making and using same. Such liquid fabric enhancers containbranched polyester polymers that have the required molecular weight,iodine value and lubricity. Thus, such branched polyester polymersprovide unexpectedly improved softening performance and formula ability.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION Definitions

As used herein, the number of carbon atoms in any group or compound canbe represented by the terms: “C_(z)”, which refers to a group ofcompounds having z carbon atoms; and “C_(x-y)”, which refers to a groupor compound containing from x to y, inclusive, carbon atoms. Forexample, “C₁₋₆ alkyl” represents an alkyl chain having from 1 to 6carbon atoms and, for example, includes, but is not limited to, methyl,ethyl, n-propyl, isopropyl, isobutyl, n-butyl, sec-butyl, tert-butyl,isopentyl, n-pentyl, neopentyl, and n-hexyl. As a further example, a“C₄₋₁₀ alkene” refers to an alkene molecule having from 4 to 10 carbonatoms, and, for example, includes, but is not limited to, 1-butene,2-butene, isobutene, 1-pentene, 1-hexene, 3-hexene, 1-heptene,3-heptene, 1-octene, 4-octene, 1-nonene, 4-nonene, and 1-decene.

As used herein, “alkyl” refers to a straight or branched chain saturatedhydrocarbon having 1 to 30 carbon atoms, which may be optionallysubstituted, as herein further described, with multiple degrees ofsubstitution being allowed. Examples of “alkyl,” as used herein,include, but are not limited to, methyl, ethyl, n-propyl, isopropyl,isobutyl, n-butyl, sec-butyl, tert-butyl, isopentyl, n-pentyl,neopentyl, n-hexyl, and 2-ethylhexyl. The number of carbon atoms in analkyl group is represented by the phrase “C_(x-y) alkyl,” which refersto an alkyl group, as herein defined, containing from x to y, inclusive,carbon atoms. Thus, “C₁₋₆ alkyl” represents an alkyl chain having from 1to 6 carbon atoms and, for example, includes, but is not limited to,methyl, ethyl, n-propyl, isopropyl, isobutyl, n-butyl, sec-butyl,tert-butyl, isopentyl, n-pentyl, neopentyl, and n-hexyl. In someinstances, the “alkyl” group can be divalent, in which case the groupcan alternatively be referred to as an “alkylene” group.

As used herein, “alkenyl” refers to a straight or branched chainnon-aromatic hydrocarbon having 2 to 30 carbon atoms and having one ormore carbon-carbon double bonds, which may be optionally substituted, asherein further described, with multiple degrees of substitution beingallowed. Examples of “alkenyl,” as used herein, include, but are notlimited to, ethenyl, 2-propenyl, 2-butenyl, and 3-butenyl. The number ofcarbon atoms in an alkenyl group is represented by the phrase “C_(x-y)alkenyl,” which refers to an alkenyl group, as herein defined,containing from x to y, inclusive, carbon atoms. Thus, “C₂₋₆ alkenyl”represents an alkenyl chain having from 2 to 6 carbon atoms and, forexample, includes, but is not limited to, ethenyl, 2-propenyl,2-butenyl, and 3-butenyl. In some instances, the “alkenyl” group can bedivalent, in which case the group can alternatively be referred to as an“alkenylene” group.

As used herein, “direct bond” refers to an embodiment where theidentified moiety is absent from the structure, and is replaced by abond between other moieties to which it is connected. For example, ifthe specification or claims recite A-D-E and D is defined as a directbond, the resulting structure is A-E.

As used herein, “substituted” refers to substitution of one or morehydrogen atoms of the designated moiety with the named substituent orsubstituents, multiple degrees of substitution being allowed unlessotherwise stated, provided that the substitution results in a stable orchemically feasible compound. A stable compound or chemically feasiblecompound is one in which the chemical structure is not substantiallyaltered when kept at a temperature from about −80° C. to about +40° C.,in the absence of moisture or other chemically reactive conditions, forat least a week. As used herein, the phrases “substituted with one ormore . . . ” or “substituted one or more times . . . ” refer to a numberof substituents that equals from one to the maximum number ofsubstituents possible based on the number of available bonding sites,provided that the above conditions of stability and chemical feasibilityare met.

As used herein, the various functional groups represented will beunderstood to have a point of attachment at the functional group havingthe hyphen or dash (-) or an asterisk (*). In other words, in the caseof —CH₂CH₂CH₃, it will be understood that the point of attachment is theCH₂ group at the far left. If a group is recited without an asterisk ora dash, then the attachment point is indicated by the plain and ordinarymeaning of the recited group.

As used herein, multi-atom bivalent species are to be read from left toright. For example, if the specification or claims recite A-D-E and D isdefined as —OC(O)—, the resulting group with D replaced is: A-OC(O)-Eand not A-C(O)O-E.

As used herein, the articles including “a” and “an” when used in aclaim, are understood to mean one or more of what is claimed ordescribed.

As used herein, the terms “include”, “includes” and “including” aremeant to be non-limiting.

Unless otherwise noted, all component or composition levels are inreference to the active portion of that component or composition, andare exclusive of impurities, for example, residual solvents orby-products, which may be present in commercially available sources ofsuch components or compositions.

All percentages and ratios are calculated by weight unless otherwiseindicated. All percentages and ratios are calculated based on the totalcomposition unless otherwise indicated with the proviso that the sum ofthe percentage of all ingredients for a respective mixture/formulacannot exceed or be less than 100%.

It should be understood that every maximum numerical limitation giventhroughout this specification includes every lower numerical limitation,as if such lower numerical limitations were expressly written herein.Every minimum numerical limitation given throughout this specificationwill include every higher numerical limitation, as if such highernumerical limitations were expressly written herein. Every numericalrange given throughout this specification will include every narrowernumerical range that falls within such broader numerical range, as ifsuch narrower numerical ranges were all expressly written herein.

Branched Polyesters and Liquid Fabric Enhancers Comprising Same

-   A) A branched polyester having:    -   I) Formula 1

-   -   -   wherein:            -   a) the index n is an integer from 1 to about 100,                preferably the index n is an integer from 4 to about 40,                more preferably the index n is an integer from 5 to                about 20;            -   b) T is a hydrogen or —C(O)—R₁ where in R₁ is an alkyl                chain comprising from 7 to 21 carbon atoms, preferably                R₁ is an alkyl chain comprising from 11 to 17 carbon                atoms;            -   c) each A is independently a branched hydrocarbon chain                comprising from 4 to 40 carbon atoms, preferably from 12                to 20 carbon atoms, more preferably 17 carbon atoms;            -   d) Y is selected from the group consisting of oxygen and                NR₂, wherein each R₂ is independently selected from the                group consisting of hydrogen, or a C₁-C₈ alkyl,                preferably, Y is selected from —O— and

-   -   -   -   e) Q is selected from the group consisting of:                -   i) —B                -   ii) —Z—X—Z—W, and                -   iii) —V—U—Z—X—Z—W                -   preferably, Q is selected from the group consisting                    of:                -   i) —B, and                -   ii) —Z—X—Z—W            -   wherein            -   B is a substituted C₁-C₂₄ alkyl group, preferably said                substituents are selected from the group consisting of                hydroxyl, primary amine, secondary amine, tertiary                amine, quaternary ammonium group and mixtures thereof,                more preferably B comprises from 1 to 4 substituents                selected from the group consisting of hydroxyl, primary                amine, secondary amine, tertiary amine, quaternary                ammonium group and mixtures thereof;            -   each Z is independently a substituted or unsubstituted                divalent C₂-C₄₀ alkylene radical, preferably each Z is                independently a substituted or unsubstituted divalent                C₂-C₂₀ alkylene, most preferably each Z is independently                selected from the group consisting of:

-   -   -   -   -   wherein * signifies a bond of the said Z moiety to a                    X moiety of said branched polyester;                -   each R₂ is independently selected from the group                    consisting of hydrogen or a C₁-C₈ alkyl;                -   each R₆ is independently selected from the group                    consisting of hydrogen, or a C₁-C₃ alkyl, preferably                    a hydrogen or methyl;                -   each s is independently an integer from about 2 to                    about 8, preferably each s is independently an                    integer from about 2 to about 4;                -   each w is independently an integer from 1 to about                    20, preferably each w is independently an integer                    from 1 to about 10, more preferably each w is                    independently an integer from 1 to about 8;

            -   X is polysiloxane moiety, preferably X has the formula

-   -   -   -   -   wherein each R₃ is independently selected from the                    group consisting of H; C₁-C₃₂ alkyl; C₁-C₃₂                    substituted alkyl, C₅-C₃₂ or C₆-C₃₂ aryl, C₅-C₃₂ or                    C₆-C₃₂ substituted aryl; C₆-C₃₂ alkylaryl, C₆-C₃₂                    substituted alkylaryl, and C₁-C₃₂ alkoxy moieties,                    preferably each R₃ is independently selected from H;                    C₁-C₁₆ alkyl; C₁-C₁₆ substituted alkyl substituted                    with amino, hydroxyl, carboxyl or polyether                    moieties, most preferably, each R₃ is independently                    selected from H, methyl and methoxy groups; and                -   j is an integer from 5 to about 1000, preferably j                    is an integer from about 10 to 500, more preferably                    j is an integer from about 20 to 300;                -    W is selected from the group consisting of —OR₄,

-   -   -   -   -    each R₂ is independently selected from the group                    consisting of hydrogen or a C₁-C₈ alkyl;                -    R₄ is selected from a hydrogen atom, a C₁-C₂₄ alkyl                    group or a substituted C₁-C₂₄ alkyl group,                    preferably said substituents being from 1 to 4                    functional moieties selected from the group                    consisting of hydroxyl, primary amine, secondary                    amine, tertiary amine, quaternary ammonium group and                    mixtures thereof, C₅-C₃₂ or C₆-C₃₂ aryl, C₅-C₃₂ or                    C₆-C₃₂ substituted aryl; C₆-C₃₂ alkylaryl, and                    C₆-C₃₂ substituted alkylaryl, preferably R₄ is                    selected from a hydrogen atom, a C₁-C₂₄ alkyl group                    or a substituted C₁-C₂₄ alkyl group, preferably said                    substituents being from 1 to 4 functional moieties                    selected from the group consisting of hydroxyl,                    primary amine, secondary amine, tertiary amine,                    quaternary ammonium group and mixtures thereof;                -   V is a C₁-C₂₄ divalent alkylene radical or a                    substituted C₁-C₂₄ divalent alkylene, preferably                    said substituents being from 1 to 4 functional                    moieties selected from the group consisting of                    hydroxyl, primary amine, secondary amine, tertiary                    amine, quaternary ammonium group and mixtures                    thereof;                -   U is —C(O)O— or —C(O)NH—; and/or

    -   II) Formula 2

-   -   -   wherein:            -   a) each index n is independently an integer from 1 to                about 100;            -   b) T is a hydrogen atom or —C(O)—R₁ where in R₁ is an                alkyl chain comprising from 7 to 21 carbon atoms,                preferably from 11 to 17 carbon atoms;            -   c) each A is independently a branched hydrocarbon chain                comprising from 4 to 40 carbon atoms, preferably from 12                to 20 carbon atoms, more preferably 17 carbon atoms;            -   d) each Y is independently selected from the group                consisting of oxygen and NR₂, wherein each R₂ is                independently selected from the group consisting of                hydrogen or a C₁-C₈ alkyl;            -   e) M is selected from the group consisting of:                -   i) a C₁-C₂₄ divalent linear or branched alkylene                    radical, preferably said C₁-C₂₄ divalent linear or                    branched alkylene radical comprises one to four                    functional groups selected from the group consisting                    of hydroxyl, primary amine, secondary amine,                    tertiary amine, quaternary ammonium group and                    mixtures thereof; more preferably said C₁-C₂₄                    divalent linear or branched alkylene radical has the                    formula:

-   -   -   -   -    wherein each R₂ is independently selected from the                    group consisting of hydrogen or a C₁-C₈ alkyl; each                    s is independently an integer from about 2 to about                    10, preferably each s is independently an integer                    from about 2 to about 8, more preferably each s is                    independently an integer from about 2 to about 4; y                    is an integer from about 1 to about 20;                -   ii) —Z—X—Z—, and                -   iii) -(D-U—Z—X—Z—U)_(m)-D-                -    wherein:                -    m is an integer from 1 to about 10;                -    each Z is independently a substituted or                    unsubstituted divalent C₂-C₄₀ alkylene radical,                    preferably each Z is independently a substituted or                    unsubstituted divalent C₂-C₂₀ alkylene, most                    preferably each Z is independently selected from the                    group consisting of:

-   -   -   -   -    wherein * signifies a bond of the said Z moiety to                    a X moiety of said branched polyester;                -    each R₂ is independently selected from the group                    consisting of hydrogen or a C₁-C₈ alkyl;                -    each R₆ is independently selected from the group                    consisting of hydrogen, or a C₁-C₃ alkyl, preferably                    a hydrogen or methyl;                -    each s is independently an integer from about 2 to                    about 8, preferably each s is independently an                    integer from about 2 to about 4;                -    each w is independently an integer from 1 to about                    20, preferably each w is independently an integer                    from 1 to about 10, more preferably each w is                    independently an integer from 1 to about 8;                -    X is polysiloxane moiety, preferably X has the                    formula:

-   -   -   -   -    wherein each R₃ is independently selected from the                    group consisting of H; C₁-C₃₂ alkyl; C₁-C₃₂                    substituted alkyl, C₅-C₃₂ or C₆-C₃₂ aryl, C₅-C₃₂ or                    C₆-C₃₂ substituted aryl; C₆-C₃₂ alkylaryl, C₆-C₃₂                    substituted alkylaryl, and C₁-C₃₂ alkoxy moieties,                    preferably each R₃ is independently selected from H;                    C₁-C₁₆ alkyl; C₁-C₁₆ substituted alkyl substituted                    with amino, hydroxyl, carboxyl or polyether                    moieties, most preferably, each R3 is independently                    selected from H, methyl and methoxy groups; and                -    j is an integer from 5 to about 1000, preferably j                    is an integer from about 20 to 500;                -    U is —C(O)O— or —C(O)NH—; and                -    each D is independently a C₁-C₂₄ divalent linear or                    branched alkylene radical, the said alkylene radical                    preferably said C₁-C₂₄ divalent linear or branched                    alkylene radical comprises one to four functional                    groups selected from the group consisting of                    hydroxyl, primary amine, secondary amine, tertiary                    amine, quaternary ammonium group and mixtures                    thereof; more preferably said C₁-C₂₄ divalent linear                    or branched alkylene radical has the formula:

-   -   -   -   -    wherein each R₂ is independently selected from the                    group consisting of hydrogen or a C₁-C₈ alkyl; each                    s is independently an integer from about 2 to about                    10, preferably each s is independently an integer                    from about 2 to about 8, more preferably each s is                    independently an integer from about 2 to about 4; y                    is an integer from about 1 to about 20;

        -   is disclosed.

-   B) A branched polyester polymer according to Paragraph A) wherein    said branched polyester polymers having Formula 1 and Formula 2 each    have a weight average molecular weight of from about 500 g/mol to    about 400,000 g/mol, preferably from about 1000 g/mol to about    200,000 g/mol, more preferably from about 1000 g/mol to about 60,000    g/mol, most preferably from about 1000 g/mol to about 40,000 g/mol    is disclosed.

-   C) A branched polyester polymer according to Paragraphs A) through    B), wherein each A of said branched polyester polymers is    independently a branched hydrocarbon with the structure

-   -   wherein each R₇ is a monovalent alkyl or substituted alkyl group        and R₈ is an unsaturated or saturated divalent alkylene radical        comprising from 1 to about 24 carbon atoms, preferably each R₇        is a monovalent alkyl radical comprising 6 carbon atoms and each        R₈ is an unsaturated or saturated divalent alkylene radical        comprising 10 carbon atoms is disclosed.

-   D) A branched polyester polymer according to Paragraphs A) through    C), wherein each A of said branched polyester polymers has the    structure:

-   -   is disclosed.

-   E) A branched polyester polymer according to Paragraphs A)    through D) wherein said branched polyester polymers each have an    iodine value from about 0 to about 90, preferably from about 0.4 to    about 50 and most preferably from about 1 to about 30 is disclosed.

-   F) A liquid fabric enhancer comprising, based on total liquid fabric    enhancer weight, from about 1% to about 50%, preferably from about    1% to about 40%, more preferably from about 3% to about 35%, most    preferably from 4% to 30% of a branched polyester according to any    of Paragraphs A) through E) and mixtures thereof is disclosed.

-   G) The liquid fabric enhancer according to Paragraph F), said liquid    fabric enhancer having a pH of from about 2 to about 5, preferably    from about 2 to about 4 is disclosed.

-   H) A liquid fabric enhancer according to Paragraphs F) or G), said    liquid fabric enhancer comprising, based on total liquid fabric    enhancer weight, from about 1% to 50%, preferably 2% to about 30%,    more preferably from about 3% to about 20%, most preferably 3% to    about 15% of a fabric softener active, preferably said fabric    softening active is a quaternary ammonium ester of the following    formula:    {R2(4−m)—N+-[X—Y—R1]m}A-    -   wherein:        -   m is 1, 2 or 3 with proviso that the value of each m is            identical;        -   each R1 is independently hydrocarbyl, or branched            hydrocarbyl group, preferably R1 is linear, more preferably            R1 is partially unsaturated linear alkyl chain;        -   each R2 is independently a C₁-C₃ alkyl or hydroxyalkyl            group, preferably R2 is selected from methyl, ethyl, propyl,            hydroxyethyl, 2-hydroxypropyl, 1-methyl-2 hydroxyethyl,            poly(C₂-C₃¬alkoxy), polyethoxy, benzyl;        -   each X is independently —(CH₂)n-, —CH₂—CH(CH₃)— or            —CH—(CH₃)—CH₂— and        -   each n is independently 1, 2, 3 or 4, preferably each n is            2;        -   each Y is independently —O—(O)C— or —C(O)—O—;        -   A- is independently selected from the group consisting of            chloride, methyl sulfate, and ethyl sulfate, preferably A-            is selected from the group consisting of chloride and methyl            sulfate, more preferably A- is methyl sulfate;        -   with the proviso that when Y is —O—(O)C—, the sum of carbons            in each R1 is from 13 to 21, preferably from 13 to 19, more            preferably said fabric softening active is selected from the            group consisting of ester quats, amide quats, imidazoline            quats, alkyl quats, amidoester quats and combinations            thereof, most preferably said fabric softening active is            selected from the group consisting of monoester quats,            diester quats, triester quats and mixtures thereof, most            preferably, said fabric softening active is selected from            the group consisting of            bis-(2-hydroxypropyl)-dimethylammonium methylsulphate fatty            acid ester, 1,2-dnacyloxy)-3-trimethylammoniopropane            chloride, N, N-bis(stearoyl-oxy-ethyl)-N,N-dimethyl ammonium            chloride, N,N-bis(tallowoyl-oxy-ethyl) N,N-dimethyl ammonium            chloride, N,N-bis(stearoyl-oxy-ethyl)N-(2            hydroxyethyl)-N-methyl ammonium methylsulfate,            N,N-bis-(stearoyl-2-hydroxypropyl)-N,N-dimethylammonium            methylsulphate,            N,N-bis-(tallowoyl-2-hydroxypropyl)-N,N-dimethylammonium            methylsulphate,            N,N-bis-(palmitoyl-2-hydroxypropyl)-N,N-dimethylammonium            methylsulphate,            N,N-bis-(stearoyl-2-hydroxypropyl)-N,N-dimethylammonium            chloride, 1, 2 di (stearoyl-oxy) 3 trimethyl ammoniumpropane            chloride, dicanoladimethylammonium chloride,            di(hard)tallowdimethylammonium chloride            dicanoladimethylammonium methylsulfate, Dipalmethyl            Hydroxyethylammonium Methosulfate and mixtures thereof is            disclosed.

-   I) A liquid fabric enhancer according to any of Paragraphs F)    through H), said liquid fabric enhancer comprising, based on total    liquid fabric enhancer weight, a material selected from the group    consisting of one or more of the following:    -   a) from about 0.001% to about 15% of an anionic surfactant        scavenger;    -   b) from about 0.01% to about 10%, of a delivery enhancing agent;    -   c) from about 0.005% to about 30% of a perfume;    -   d) from about 0.005% to about 30% of a perfume delivery system,        preferably a perfume capsule, more preferably a perfume capsule        comprising a shell and a core comprising perfume, said shell        encapsulating said core, said shell comprising a polyacrylate        and/or an aminoplast, most preferably said perfume capsule has        diameter of from about 1 micron to 200 microns or from 1 micron        to 100 microns;    -   e) from about 0.0001% to about 10% of a hueing dye;    -   f) from about 0.0001% to about 10% of a dye transfer inhibiting        agent;    -   g) from about 0.01% to about 20% of a structurant;    -   h) from about 0.05% to about 20% of a fabric care benefit agent;    -   i) from about 0.05% to about 10% a surfactant;    -   j) a carrier; and    -   k) mixtures thereof.

-   J. A liquid fabric enhancer according to Paragraph I) wherein:    -   a) said anionic surfactant scavenger comprises a water soluble        cationic and/or zwitterionic scavenger compound;    -   b) said delivery enhancing agent comprises a material selected        from the group consisting of a cationic polymer having a charge        density from about 0.05 milliequivalent/g to about 23        milliequivalent per gram of polymer, an amphoteric polymer        having a charge density from about 0.05 milliequivalent/g to        about 23 milliequivalent per gram of polymer, a protein having a        charge density from about 0.05 milliequivalent/g to about 23        milliequivalent per gram of protein and mixtures thereof;    -   c) said perfume delivery system is selected from the group        consisting of Polymer Assisted Delivery system,        Molecule-Assisted Delivery system, Cyclodextrin system, Starch        Encapsulated Accord system, Zeolite & Inorganic Carrier system,        and mixtures thereof    -   d) said hueing dye comprising a moiety selected the group        consisting of acridine, anthraquinone, azine, azo, benzodifurane        and benzodifuranone, carotenoid, coumarin, cyanine,        diazahemicyanine, diphenylmethane, formazan, hemicyanine,        indigoid, methane, naphthalimide, naphthoquinone, nitro and        nitroso, oxazine, phthalocyanine, pyrazole, stilbene, styryl,        triarylmethane, triphenylmethane, xanthene and mixtures thereof;    -   e) said dye transfer inhibiting agent is selected from the group        consisting polyvinylpyrrolidone polymers, polyamine N-oxide        polymers, copolymers of N-vinylpyrrolidone and N-vinylimidazole,        polyvinyloxazolidones and polyvinylimidazoles or mixtures        thereof;    -   f) said structurant is selected from the group consisting of        hydrogenated castor oil, gellan gum, starches, derivatized        starches, carrageenan, guar gum, pectin, xanthan gum, modified        celluloses, microcrystalline celluloses modified proteins,        hydrogenated polyalkylenes, non-hydrogenated polyalkenes,        inorganic salts, clay, homo- and co-polymers comprising cationic        monomers selected from the group consisting of        N,N-dialkylaminoalkyl methacrylate, N,N-dialkylaminoalkyl methyl        methacrylate, N,N-dialkylaminoalkyl acrylate,        N,N-dialkylaminoalkyl acrylamide,        N,N-dialkylaminoalkylmethacrylamide, quaternized        N,N-dialkylaminoalkyl methacrylate, quaternized        N,N-dialkylaminoalkyl methyl methacrylate, quaternized        N,N-dialkylaminoalkyl acrylate, quaternized        N,N-dialkylaminoalkyl acrylamide, quaternized        N,N-dialkylaminoalkylmethacrylamide, and mixtures thereof;    -   g) said fabric care benefit agent is selected from the group        consisting of polyglycerol esters, oily sugar derivatives, wax        emulsions, silicones, polyisobutylene, polyolefins and mixtures        thereof;    -   h) said surfactant is selected from the group consisting of,        nonionic surfactants, ampholytic surfactants, cationic        surfactants, zwitterionic surfactants, and mixtures thereof    -   i) said carrier is selected from the group consisting of water,        1,2-propanediol, hexylene glycol, ethanol, isopropanol,        glycerol, C₁-C₄ alkanolamines, salts, sugars, polyalkylene        oxides; polyethylene glycols; polypropylene oxide, and mixtures        thereof.

-   K. A liquid fabric enhancer according to Paragraph J) wherein:    -   a) said anionic surfactant scavenger is selected from the group        consisting of monoalkyl quaternary ammonium compounds, amine        precursors of monoalkyl quaternary ammonium compounds, dialkyl        quaternary ammonium compounds, and amine precursors of dialkyl        quaternary ammonium compounds, polyquaternary ammonium        compounds, amine precursors of polyquaternary ammonium        compounds, and mixtures thereof;    -   b) said delivery enhancing agent is selected from the group        consisting of cationic polysaccharides, polyethyleneimine and        its derivatives, polyamidoamines and homopolymers, copolymers        and terpolymers made from one or more cationic monomers selected        from the group consisting of N,N-dialkylaminoalkyl methacrylate,        N,N-dialkylaminoalkyl methyl methacrylate, N,N-dialkylaminoalkyl        acrylate, N,N-dialkylaminoalkyl acrylamide,        N,N-dialkylaminoalkylmethacrylamide, quaternized        N,N-dialkylaminoalkyl methacrylate, quaternized        N,N-dialkylaminoalkyl methyl methacrylate, quaternized        N,N-dialkylaminoalkyl acrylate, quaternized        N,N-dialkylaminoalkyl acrylamide, quaternized        N,N-dialkylaminoalkylmethacrylamide, vinylamine and its        derivatives, allylamine and its derivatives, vinyl imidazole,        quaternized vinyl imidazole and diallyl dialkyl ammonium        chloride and combinations thereof, and optionally a second        monomer selected from the group consisting of acrylamide,        N,N-dialkyl acrylamide, methacrylamide,        N,N-dialkylmethacrylamide, C₁-C₁₂ alkyl acrylate, C₁-C₁₂        hydroxyalkyl acrylate, polyalkylene glyol acrylate, C₁-C₁₂ alkyl        methacrylate, C₁-C₁₂ hydroxyalkyl methacrylate, polyalkylene        glycol methacrylate, vinyl acetate, vinyl alcohol, vinyl        formamide, vinyl acetamide, vinyl alkyl ether, vinyl pyridine,        vinyl pyrrolidone, vinyl imidazole and derivatives, acrylic        acid, methacrylic acid, maleic acid, vinyl sulfonic acid,        styrene sulfonic acid, acrylamidopropylmethane sulfonic acid        (AMPS) and their salts, and combinations thereof.        Process of Making Branched Polyesters and Liquid Fabric        Enhancers Comprising Same        The branched polyesters and liquid fabric enhancers disclosed        and claimed herein can be made in accordance with the examples        contained herein.        Liquid Fabric Enhancer Materials

Materials that are useful in the liquid fabric enhancers of the presentinvention include: surfactants, delivery enhancing agents, chelatingagents, dye transfer inhibiting agents, dispersants, and enzymestabilizers, polymeric dispersing agents, clay and soilremoval/anti-redeposition agents, brighteners, suds suppressors, dyes,additional perfumes and perfume delivery systems, structure elasticizingagents, fabric softener actives, fabric care benefit agents, anionicsurfactant scavengers, carriers, hydrotropes, processing aids,structurants, anti-agglomeration agents, coatings, formaldehydescavengers and/or pigments. Other embodiments of Applicants'compositions do not contain one or more of the following adjunctsmaterials: bleach activators, surfactants, delivery enhancing agents,builders, chelating agents, dye transfer inhibiting agents, dispersants,enzymes, and enzyme stabilizers, catalytic metal complexes, polymericdispersing agents, clay and soil removal/anti-redeposition agents,brighteners, suds suppressors, dyes, additional perfumes and perfumedelivery systems, structure elasticizing agents, fabric softeneractives, fabric care benefit agents, anionic surfactant scavengers,carriers, hydrotropes, processing aids, structurants, anti-agglomerationagents, coatings, formaldehyde scavengers and/or pigments. The precisenature of these additional components, and levels of incorporationthereof, will depend on the physical form of the composition and thenature of the operation for which it is to be used. However, when one ormore adjuncts are present, such one or more adjuncts may be present asdetailed below. The following is a non-limiting list of suitableadditional adjuncts.

Delivery Enhancing Agent:

The compositions may comprise from about 0.01% to about 10% of thecomposition of a delivery enhancing agent. As used herein, such termrefers to any polymer or combination of polymers that significantlyenhance the deposition of the fabric care benefit agent onto the fabricduring laundering. Preferably, delivery enhancing agent may be acationic or amphoteric polymer. The cationic charge density of thepolymer ranges from about 0.05 milliequivalents/g to about 23milliequivalents/g. The charge density may be calculated by dividing thenumber of net charge per repeating unit by the molecular weight of therepeating unit. In one aspect, the charge density varies from about 0.05milliequivalents/g to about 8 milliequivalents/g. The positive chargescould be on the backbone of the polymers or the side chains of polymers.For polymers with amine monomers, the charge density depends on the pHof the carrier. For these polymers, charge density may be measured at apH of 7. Non-limiting examples of deposition enhancing agents arecationic or amphoteric, polysaccharides, proteins and syntheticpolymers. Cationic polysaccharides include cationic cellulosederivatives, cationic guar gum derivatives, chitosan and derivatives andcationic starches. Cationic polysaccharides have a molecular weight fromabout 50,000 to about 2 million, preferably from about 100,000 to about1,500,000. Suitable cationic polysaccharides include cationic celluloseethers, particularly cationic hydroxyethylcellulose and cationichydroxypropylcellulose. Examples of cationic hydroxyalkyl celluloseinclude those with the INCI name Polyquaternium10 such as those soldunder the trade names Ucare Polymer JR 30M, JR 400, JR 125, LR 400 andLK 400 polymers; Polyquaternium 67 such as those sold under the tradename Softcat SK TM, all of which are marketed by Amerchol Corporation,Edgewater N.J.; and Polyquaternium 4 such as those sold under the tradename Celquat H200 and Celquat L-200 available from National Starch andChemical Company, Bridgewater, N.J. Other suitable polysaccharidesinclude Hydroxyethyl cellulose or hydoxypropylcellulose quaternized withglycidyl C₁₂-C₂₂ alkyl dimethyl ammonium chloride. Examples of suchpolysaccharides include the polymers with the INCI names Polyquaternium24 such as those sold under the trade name Quaternium LM 200 by AmercholCorporation, Edgewater N.J. Cationic starches refer to starch that hasbeen chemically modified to provide the starch with a net positivecharge in aqueous solution at pH 3. This chemical modification includes,but is not limited to, the addition of amino and/or ammonium group(s)into the starch molecules. Non-limiting examples of these ammoniumgroups may include substituents such as trimethylhydroxypropyl ammoniumchloride, dimethylstearylhydroxypropyl ammonium chloride, ordimethyldodecylhydroxypropyl ammonium chloride. The source of starchbefore chemical modification can be chosen from a variety of sourcesincluding tubers, legumes, cereal, and grains. Non-limiting examples ofthis source of starch may include corn starch, wheat starch, ricestarch, waxy corn starch, oat starch, cassaya starch, waxy barley, waxyrice starch, glutenous rice starch, sweet rice starch, amioca, potatostarch, tapioca starch, oat starch, sago starch, sweet rice, or mixturesthereof. Nonlimiting examples of cationic starches include cationicmaize starch, cationic tapioca, cationic potato starch, or mixturesthereof. The cationic starches may comprise amylase, amylopectin, ormaltodextrin. The cationic starch may comprise one or more additionalmodifications. For example, these modifications may includecross-linking, stabilization reactions, phophorylations, hydrolyzations,cross-linking. Stabilization reactions may include alkylation andesterification. Suitable cationic starches for use in the presentcompositions are commercially-available from Cerestar under the tradename C*BOND® and from National Starch and Chemical Company under thetrade name CATO® 2A. Cationic galactomannans include cationic guar gumsor cationic locust bean gum. An example of a cationic guar gum is aquaternary ammonium derivative of Hydroxypropyl Guar such as those soldunder the trade name Jaguar C13 and Jaguar Excel available from Rhodia,Inc of Cranbury N.J. and N-Hance by Aqualon, Wilmington, Del.

In one aspect, a synthetic cationic polymer may be used as the deliveryenhancing agent. The molecular weight of these polymers may be in therange of from about 2,000 to about 5 million kD. Synthetic polymersinclude synthetic addition polymers of the general structure

wherein each R¹¹ may be independently hydrogen, C₁-C₁₂ alkyl,substituted or unsubstituted phenyl, substituted or unsubstitutedbenzyl, —OR_(e), or —C(O)OR_(e) wherein R_(e) may be selected from thegroup consisting of hydrogen, C₁-C₂₄ alkyl, and combinations thereof. Inone aspect, R¹¹ may be hydrogen, C₁-C₄ alkyl, or —OR_(e), or —C(O)OR_(e)

wherein each R¹² may be independently selected from the group consistingof hydrogen, hydroxyl, halogen, C₁-C₁₂ alkyl, —OR_(e), substituted orunsubstituted phenyl, substituted or unsubstituted benzyl, carbocyclic,heterocyclic, and combinations thereof. In one aspect, R¹² may beselected from the group consisting of hydrogen, C₁-C₄ alkyl, andcombinations thereof.

Each Z may be independently hydrogen, halogen; linear or branched C₁-C₃₀alkyl, nitrilo, N(R¹³)₂—C(O)N(R¹³)₂; —NHCHO (formamide); —OR¹³,—O(CH₂)_(n)N(R¹³)₂, —O(CH₂)_(n)N⁺(R¹³)₃X⁻, —C(O)OR¹⁴; —C(O)N—(R¹³)₂;—C(O)O(CH₂)_(n)N(R¹³)₂, —C(O)O(CH₂)_(n)N⁺(R¹³)₃X, —OCO(CH₂)_(n)N(R¹³)₂,—OCO(CH₂)_(n)N⁺(R¹³)₃X⁻, —C(O)NH(CH₂)_(n)N(R¹³)₂,—C(O)NH(CH₂)_(n)N⁺(R¹³)₃X⁻, —(CH₂)_(n)N(R¹³)₂, —(CH₂)_(n)N⁺(R¹³)₃X⁻,

Each R¹³ may be independently selected from the group consisting ofhydrogen, C₁-C₂₄ alkyl, C₂-C₈ hydroxyalkyl, benzyl, substituted benzyl,and combinations thereof;

Each R¹⁴ may be independently selected from the group consisting ofhydrogen, C₁-C₂₄ alkyl,

-   -   wherein m is 0 to 1,000, and R¹⁵ may be independently selected        from the group consisting of hydrogen, C₁-C₆ alkyl, and        combinations thereof;    -   and combinations thereof.

X may be a water-soluble anion wherein n may be from about 1 to about 6.

Z may also be selected from the group consisting of non-aromaticnitrogen heterocycles containing a quaternary ammonium ion, heterocyclescontaining an N-oxide moiety, aromatic nitrogens containing heterocycleswherein one or more or the nitrogen atoms may be quaternized; aromaticnitrogen-containing heterocycles wherein at least one nitrogen may be anN-oxide; and combinations thereof. Non-limiting examples of additionpolymerizing monomers comprising a heterocyclic Z unit includes1-vinyl-2-pyrrolidinone, 1-vinylimidazole, quaternized vinyl imidazole,2-vinyl-1,3-dioxolane, 4-vinyl-1-cyclohexene1,2-epoxide, and2-vinylpyridine, 2-vinylpyridine N-oxide, 4-vinylpyridine N-oxide.

A non-limiting example of a Z unit which can be made to form a cationiccharge in situ may be the —NHCHO unit, formamide. The formulator canprepare a polymer or co-polymer comprising formamide units some of whichare subsequently hydrolyzed to form vinyl amine equivalents.

The polymers or co-polymers may also contain one or more cyclic polymerunits derived from cyclically polymerizing monomers. An example of acyclically polymerizing monomer is dimethyl diallyl ammonium.

Suitable copolymers may be made from one or more cationic monomersselected from the group consisting of N,N-dialkylaminoalkylmethacrylate, N,N-dialkylaminoalkyl methyl methacrylate,N,N-dialkylaminoalkyl acrylate, N,N-dialkylaminoalkyl acrylamide,N,N-dialkylaminoalkylmethacrylamide, quaternized N,N-dialkylaminoalkylmethacrylate, quaternized N,N-dialkylaminoalkyl methyl methacrylate,quaternized N,N-dialkylaminoalkyl acrylate, quaternizedN,N-dialkylaminoalkyl acrylamide, quaternizedN,N-dialkylaminoalkylmethacrylamide, vinylamine and its derivatives,allylamine and its derivatives, vinyl imidazole, quaternized vinylimidazole and diallyl dialkyl ammonium chloride and combinationsthereof, and optionally a second monomer selected from the groupconsisting of acrylamide, N,N-dialkyl acrylamide, methacrylamide,N,N-dialkylmethacrylamide, C₁-C₁₂ alkyl acrylate, C₁-C₁₂ hydroxyalkylacrylate, polyalkylene glyol acrylate, C₁-C₁₂ alkyl methacrylate, C₁-C₁₂hydroxyalkyl methacrylate, polyalkylene glycol methacrylate, vinylacetate, vinyl alcohol, vinyl formamide, vinyl acetamide, vinyl alkylether, vinyl pyridine, vinyl pyrrolidone, vinyl imidazole andderivatives, acrylic acid, methacrylic acid, methyl methacrylate,itaconic acid, fumaric acid, 3-allyloxy-2-hydroxy-1-propane-sulfonicacid (HAPS) and their salts, allyl sulfonic acid and their salts, maleicacid, vinyl sulfonic acid, styrene sulfonic acid,acrylamidopropylmethane sulfonic acid (AMPS) and their salts, andcombinations thereof. The polymer may optionally be cross-linked.Suitable crosslinking monomers include ethylene glycoldiacrylate,divinylbenzene, and butadiene.

In one aspect, the synthetic polymers arepoly(acrylamide-co-diallyldimethylammonium chloride),poly(acrylamide-methacrylamidopropyltrimethyl ammonium chloride),poly(acrylamide-co-N,N-dimethyl aminoethyl methacrylate),poly(acrylamide-co-N,N-dimethyl aminoethyl acrylate),poly(hydroxyethylacrylate-co-dimethyl aminoethyl methacrylate),poly(hydroxpropylacrylate-co-dimethyl aminoethyl methacrylate),poly(hydroxpropylacrylate-co-methacrylamidopropyltrimethylammoniumchloride), poly(acrylamide-co-diallyldimethylammoniumchloride-co-acrylic acid), poly(acrylamide-methacrylamidopropyltrimethylammonium chloride-co-acrylic acid). Examples of other suitable syntheticpolymers are Polyquaternium-1, Polyquaternium-5, Polyquaternium-6,Polyquaternium-7, Polyquaternium-8, Polyquaternium-11,Polyquaternium-14, Polyquaternium-22, Polyquaternium-28,Polyquaternium-30, Polyquaternium-32 and Polyquaternium-33.

Other cationic polymers include polyethyleneamine and its derivativesand polyamidoamine-epichlorohydrin (PAE) Resins. In one aspect, thepolyethylene derivative may be an amide derivative of polyetheyleniminesold under the trade name Lupasol SK. Also included are alkoxylatedpolyethlenimine; alkyl polyethyleneimine and quaternizedpolyethyleneimine. These polymers are described in Wet Strength resinsand their applications edited by L. L. Chan, TAPPI Press (1994). Theweight-average molecular weight of the polymer will generally be fromabout 10,000 to about 5,000,000, or from about 100,000 to about 200,000,or from about 200,000 to about 1,500,000 Daltons, as determined by sizeexclusion chromatography relative to polyethylene oxide standards withRI detection. The mobile phase used is a solution of 20% methanol in0.4M MEA, 0.1 M NaNO₃, 3% acetic acid on a Waters Linear Ultrandyrogelcolumn, 2 in series. Columns and detectors are kept at 40° C. Flow isset to 0.5 ml/min.

In another aspect, the deposition aid may comprisepoly(acrylamide-N-dimethyl aminoethyl acrylate) and its quaternizedderivatives. In this aspect, the deposition aid may be that sold underthe tradename Sedipur®, available from BTC Specialty Chemicals, a BASFGroup, Florham Park, N.J. In one embodiment, the deposition aid iscationic acrylic based homopolymer sold under the tradename name RheovisCDE, from CIBA.

Surfactants:

The products of the present invention may comprise from about 0.11% to80% by weight of a surfactant. In one aspect, such compositions maycomprise from about 5% to 50% by weight of surfactant. Surfactantsutilized can be of the anionic, nonionic, zwitterionic, ampholytic orcationic type or can comprise compatible mixtures of these types.

Anionic and nonionic surfactants are typically employed if the fabriccare product is a laundry detergent. On the other hand, cationicsurfactants are typically employed if the fabric care product is afabric softener.

Useful anionic surfactants can themselves be of several different types.For example, water-soluble salts of the higher fatty acids, i.e.,“soaps”, are useful anionic surfactants in the compositions herein. Thisincludes alkali metal soaps such as the sodium, potassium, ammonium, andalkylolammonium salts of higher fatty acids containing from about 8 toabout 24 carbon atoms, or even from about 12 to about 18 carbon atoms.Soaps can be made by direct saponification of fats and oils or by theneutralization of free fatty acids. Particularly useful are the sodiumand potassium salts of the mixtures of fatty acids derived from coconutoil and tallow, i.e., sodium or potassium tallow and coconut soap.

Useful anionic surfactants include the water-soluble salts, particularlythe alkali metal, ammonium and alkylolammonium (e.g.,monoethanolammonium or triethanolammonium) salts, of organic sulfuricreaction products having in their molecular structure an alkyl groupcontaining from about 10 to about 20 carbon atoms and a sulfonic acid orsulfuric acid ester group. (Included in the term “alkyl” is the alkylportion of aryl groups.) Examples of this group of synthetic surfactantsare the alkyl sulfates and alkyl alkoxy sulfates, especially thoseobtained by sulfating the higher alcohols (C₈-C₁₈ carbon atoms).

Other useful anionic surfactants herein include the water-soluble saltsof esters of α-sulfonated fatty acids containing from about 6 to 20carbon atoms in the fatty acid group and from about 1 to 10 carbon atomsin the ester group; water-soluble salts of 2-acyloxy-alkane-1-sulfonicacids containing from about 2 to 9 carbon atoms in the acyl group andfrom about 9 to about 23 carbon atoms in the alkane moiety;water-soluble salts of olefin sulfonates containing from about 12 to 24carbon atoms; and ß-alkyloxy alkane sulfonates containing from about 1to 3 carbon atoms in the alkyl group and from about 8 to 20 carbon atomsin the alkane moiety.

In another embodiment, the anionic surfactant may comprise a C₁₁-C₁₈alkyl benzene sulfonate surfactant; a C₁₀-C₂₀ alkyl sulfate surfactant;a C₁₀-C₁₈ alkyl alkoxy sulfate surfactant, having an average degree ofalkoxylation of from 1 to 30, wherein the alkoxy comprises a C₁-C₄ chainand mixtures thereof; a mid-chain branched alkyl sulfate surfactant; amid-chain branched alkyl alkoxy sulfate surfactant having an averagedegree of alkoxylation of from 1 to 30, wherein the alkoxy comprises aC₁-C₄ chain and mixtures thereof; a C₁₀-C₁₈ alkyl alkoxy carboxylatescomprising an average degree of alkoxylation of from 1 to 5; a C₁₂-C₂₀methyl ester sulfonate surfactant, a C₁₀-C₁₈ alpha-olefin sulfonatesurfactant, a C₆-C₂₀ sulfosuccinate surfactant, and a mixture thereof.

In addition to the anionic surfactant, the fabric care compositions ofthe present invention may further contain a nonionic surfactant. Thecompositions of the present invention can contain up to about 30%,alternatively from about 0.01% to about 20%, more alternatively fromabout 0.1% to about 10%, by weight of the composition, of a nonionicsurfactant. In one embodiment, the nonionic surfactant may comprise anethoxylated nonionic surfactant.

Suitable for use herein are the ethoxylated alcohols and ethoxylatedalkyl phenols of the formula R(OC₂H₄)—OH, wherein R is selected from thegroup consisting of aliphatic hydrocarbon radicals containing from about8 to about 20 carbon atoms and alkyl phenyl radicals in which the alkylgroups contain from about 8 to about 12 carbon atoms, and the averagevalue of n is from about 5 to about 15. Materials may also bepropoxylated alcohols and propoxylated alkyl phenols, and mixtures ofsuch propoxylated and ethoxylated materials may be used. Furthermore,such materials may be propoxylated and ethoxylated.

Suitable nonionic surfactants are those of the formula R¹(OC₂H₄)_(n)OH,wherein R¹ is a C₁₀-C₁₆ alkyl group or a C₈-C₁₂ alkyl phenyl group, andn is from 3 to about 80. In one aspect, particularly useful materialsare condensation products of C₉-C₁₅ alcohols with from about 5 to about20 moles of ethylene oxide per mole of alcohol.

Additional suitable nonionic surfactants include polyhydroxy fatty acidamides such as N-methyl N-1-deoxyglucityl cocoamide and N-methylN-1-deoxyglucityl oleamide and alkyl polysaccharides.

The fabric care compositions of the present invention may contain up toabout 30%, alternatively from about 0.01% to about 20%, morealternatively from about 0.1% to about 20%, by weight of thecomposition, of a cationic surfactant. For the purposes of the presentinvention, cationic surfactants include those which can deliver fabriccare benefits. Non-limiting examples of useful cationic surfactantsinclude: fatty amines; quaternary ammonium surfactants; and imidazolinequat materials.

In some embodiments, useful cationic surfactants, have the generalformula (IV):

wherein:

(a) R₁ and R₂ each are individually selected from the groups of: C₁-C₄alkyl; C₁-C₄ hydroxy alkyl; benzyl; —(C_(n)H_(2n)O)_(x)H, wherein:

-   -   i. x has a value from about 2 to about 5;    -   ii. n has a value of about 1-4;

(b) R₃ and R₄ are each:

-   -   i. a C₈-C₂₂ alkyl; or    -   ii. R₃ is a C₈-C₂₂ alkyl and R₄ is selected from the group of:        C₁-C₁₀ alkyl; C₁-C₁₀ hydroxy alkyl; benzyl;        —(C_(n)H_(2n)O)_(x)H, wherein:        -   1. x has a value from 2 to 5; and        -   2. n has a value of 1-4; and

(c) X is an anion.

The Quaternary Ammonium Ester Softening Active

The liquid fabric softener composition of the present invention maycomprise a quaternary ammonium ester softening active (Fabric SofteningActive, “FSA”) at a level of from 3% to 25%, preferably from 4% to 18%,more preferably from 5% to 15%. Preferably, the iodine value (seeMethods) of the parent fatty acid from which the quaternary ammoniumfabric softening active is formed is from 25 to 50, preferably from 30to 48, more preferably from 32 to 45. Without being bound by theory,lower melting points resulting in easier process ability of the FSA areobtained when the parent fatty acid from which the quaternary ammoniumfabric softening active is formed is at least partially unsaturated.Especially double unsaturated fatty acids enable easy to process FSA's.In preferred liquid fabric softener compositions, the parent fatty acidfrom which the quaternary ammonium softening actives is formed comprisesfrom 2.0% to 20.0%, preferably from 3.0% to 15.0%, more preferably from4.0% to 15.0% of double unsaturated C18 chains (“C18:2”) by weight oftotal fatty acid chains (see Methods). On the other hand, very highlevels of unsaturated fatty acid chains are to be avoided to minimizemalodor formation as a result of oxidation of the fabric softenercomposition over time.

In preferred liquid fabric softener compositions, the quaternaryammonium ester softening active is present at a level of from 4.0% to18%, more preferably from 4.5% to 15%, even more preferably from 5.0% to12% by weight of the composition. The level of quaternary ammonium estersoftening active may depend of the desired concentration of totalsoftening active in the composition (diluted or concentratedcomposition) and of the presence or not of other softening active.However, the risk on increasing viscosities over time is typicallyhigher in fabric softener compositions with higher FSA levels. On theother hand, at very high FSA levels, the viscosity may no longer besufficiently controlled which renders the product unfit for use.

Suitable quaternary ammonium ester softening actives include but are notlimited to, materials selected from the group consisting of monoesterquats, diester quats, triester quats and mixtures thereof. Preferably,the level of monoester quat is from 2.0% to 40.0%, the level of diesterquat is from 40.0% to 98.0%, the level of triester quat is from 0.0% to25.0% by weight of total quaternary ammonium ester softening active.

Said quaternary ammonium ester softening active may comprise compoundsof the following formula:{R2(4−m)—N+-[X—Y—R1]m}A-wherein:m is 1, 2 or 3 with proviso that the value of each m is identical;each R1 is independently hydrocarbyl, or branched hydrocarbyl group,preferably R1 is linear, more preferably R1 is partially unsaturatedlinear alkyl chain;each R2 is independently a C₁-C₃ alkyl or hydroxyalkyl group, preferablyR2 is selected from methyl, ethyl, propyl, hydroxyethyl,2-hydroxypropyl, 1-methyl-2 hydroxyethyl, poly(C₂-C₃¬alkoxy),polyethoxy, benzyl;each X is independently —(CH₂)n-, —CH₂—CH(CH₃)— or —CH—(CH₃)—CH₂— andeach n is independently 1, 2, 3 or 4, preferably each n is 2;each Y is independently —O—(O)C— or —C(O)—O—;A- is independently selected from the group consisting of chloride,methyl sulfate, and ethyl sulfate, preferably A- is selected from thegroup consisting of chloride and methyl sulfate, more preferably A ismethyl sulfate;with the proviso that when Y is —O—(O)C—, the sum of carbons in each R1is from 13 to 21, preferably from 13 to 19. Preferably, X is—CH₂—CH(CH₃)— or —CH—(CH₃)—CH₂— to improve the hydrolytic stability ofthe quaternary ammonium ester softening active, and hence furtherimprove the stability of the fabric softener composition.Examples of suitable quaternary ammonium ester softening actives arecommercially available from Evonik under the tradename Rewoquat WE18,Rewoquat WE20, from Stepan under the tradename Stepantex GA90, StepantexVK90, Stepantex VL90A.These types of agents and general methods of making them are disclosedin U.S. Pat. No. 4,137,180.Fabric Care Benefit Agent

The compositions disclosed herein may include a fabric care benefitagent. As used herein, “fabric care benefit agents” refers toingredients which are water dispersible or water insoluble and canprovide fabric care benefits such as fabric softening, color protection,pill/fuzz reduction, anti-abrasion, anti-wrinkle, perfume longevity andthe like, to garments and fabrics, particularly on cotton garments andfabrics.

These fabric care benefit agents typically have the solubility indistilled water of less than 100 g/L, preferably less than 10 g/L at 25°C. It is believed that if the solubility of the fabric care benefitagent is more than 10 g/L, it will remain soluble in the wash liquor andconsequently will not deposit onto the fabrics.

Suitable fabric care benefit agents, include, but are not limited to,materials selected from the group consisting of non-ester quaternaryammonium compounds, amines, fatty esters, sucrose esters, silicones,dispersible polyolefins, polysaccharides, fatty acids, softening oils,polymer latexes and combinations thereof.

The fabric care benefit agents can be in the form of emulsions, latexes,dispersions, suspensions, micelles and the like, and preferably in theform of microemulsions, swollen micelles or latexes. As such, they canhave a wide range of particle sizes from about 1 nm to 100 um andpreferably from about 5 nm to 10 um. The particle size of themicroemulsions can be determined by conventional methods, such as usinga Leeds & Northrup Microtrac UPA particle sizer.

Emulsifiers, dispersing agents and suspension agents may be used. Theweight ratio of emulsifiers, dispersing agents or suspension agents tothe fabric care benefit agents is about 1:100 to about 1:2. Preferably,the weight ratio ranges from about 1:50 to 1:5. Any surfactants suitablefor making polymer emulsions or emulsion polymerizations of polymerlatexes can be used to make the water insoluble fabric care benefitagents of the present invention. Suitable surfactants include anionic,cationic, and nonionic surfactants or mixtures thereof.

Silicones

Suitable organosilicones, include, but not limited to (a)non-functionalized silicones such as polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS); and(b) functionalized silicones such as silicones with one or morefunctional groups selected from the group consisting of amino, amido,alkoxy, alkyl, phenyl, polyether, acrylate, siliconehydride,mercaptoproyl, carboxylate, sulfate phosphate, quaternized nitrogen, andcombinations thereof.

In typical embodiments, the organosilicones suitable for use herein havea viscosity ranging from about 10 to about 2,000,000 CSt (centistokes)at 25° C. In other embodiments, the suitable organosilicones have aviscosity from about 10 to about 800,000 CSt at 25° C.

(a) Polydimethylsiloxanes (PDMS) have been described in Cosmetics andToiletries. They can be linear, branched, cyclic, grafted orcross-linked or cyclic structures. In some embodiments, the detergentcompositions comprise PDMS having a viscosity of from about 100 to about700,000 CSt at 25° C.

(b) Exemplary functionalized silicones include but are not limited toaminosilicones, amidosilicones, silicone polyethers, alkylsilicones,phenyl silicones and quaternary silicones.

The functionalized silicones suitable for use in the present inventionhave the following general formula:

wherein

m is from 4 to 50,000, preferably from 10 to 20,000;

k is from 1 to 25,000, preferably from 3 to 12,000;

each R is H or C₁-C₈ alkyl or aryl group, preferably C₁-C₄ alkyl, andmore preferably a methyl group;

X is a linking group having the formula:

-   -   i) —(CH₂)_(p)— wherein p is from 2 to 6, preferably 2 to 3;

wherein q is from 0 to 4, preferably 1 to 2;

Q has the formula:

-   -   i) —NH₂, —NH—(CH₂)_(r)—NH₂, wherein r is from 1 to 4, preferably        2 to 3; or    -   ii) —(O—CHR₂—CH₂)_(s)—Z, wherein s is from 1 to 100, preferably        3 to 30;    -   wherein R₂ is H or C₁-C₃ alkyl, preferably H or CH₃; and Z is        selected from the group consisting of —OR₃, —OC(O)R₃, —CO—        R₄—COOH, —SO₃, —PO(OH)₂, and mixtures thereof; further wherein        R₃ is H, C₁-C₂₆ alkyl or substituted alkyl, C₆-C₂₆ aryl or        substituted aryl, C₇-C₂₆ alkylaryl or substituted alkylaryl        groups, preferably R₃ is H, methyl, ethyl propyl or benzyl        groups; R₄ is —CH₂— or —CH₂CH₂— groups; and

wherein n is from 1 to 4, preferably 2 to 3; and R₅ is C1-C4 alkyl,preferably methyl.

Another class of organosilicone useful herein is modified polyalkyleneoxide polysiloxanes of the general formula:

wherein Q is NH₂ or —NHCH₂CH₂NH₂; R is H or C₁-C₆ alkyl; r is from 0 to1000; m is from 4 to 40,000; n is from 3 to 35,000; and p and q areintegers independently selected from 2 to 30.

When r=0, nonlimiting examples of such polysiloxanes with polyalkyleneoxide are Silwet® L-7622, Silwet® L-7602, Silwet® L-7604, Silwet®L-7500, Magnasoft® TLC, available from GE Silicones of Wilton, Conn.;Ultrasil® SW-12 and Ultrasil® DW-18 silicones, available from NoveonInc., of Cleveland Ohio; and DC-5097, FF-400® available from DowCorning® of Midland, Mich. Additional examples are KF-352®, KF-6015®,and KF-945®, all available from Shin Etsu Silicones of Tokyo, Japan.

When r=1 to 1000, nonlimiting examples of this class of organosiliconesare Ultrasil® A21 and Ultrasil® A-23, both available from Noveon, Inc.of Cleveland, Ohio; BY16-876® from Dow Corning Toray Ltd., Japan; andX22-3939A® from Shin Etsu Corporation, Tokyo Japan.

A third class of organosilicones useful herein is modified polyalkyleneoxide polysiloxanes of the general formula:

wherein m is from 4 to 40,000; n is from 3 to 35,000; and p and q areintegers independently selected from 2 to 30; Z is selected from

wherein R₇ is C1-C24 alkyl group;

wherein R₄ is CH₂ or CH₂CH₂;iii. —SO₃

-   -   wherein R₈ is C1-C22 alkyl and A- is an appropriate anion,        preferably Cl⁻;

-   -   wherein R₈ is C1-C22 alkyl and A- is an appropriate anion,        preferably Cl⁻.

Another class of silicones is cationic silicones. These are typicallyproduced by reacting a diamine with an epoxide. These are commerciallyavailable under the trade names Magnasoft® Prime, Magnasoft® HSSD,Silsoft® A-858 (all from GE Silicones).

In another aspect, the functionalized siloxane polymer may comprisesilicone-urethanes. In one aspect, the synthesis of silicone-urethanesinvolves a conventional polycondensation reaction between a polysiloxanecontaining hydroxy functional groups or amine functional groups at theends of its chain (for example, α, ω-dihydroxyalkylpolydimethylsiloxaneor α, ω-diaminoalkylpolydimethylsiloxane or α-amino,ω-hydroxyalkylpolydimethylsiloxane) and a diisocyanate. In anotheraspect, organopolysiloxane oligomers containing a hydroxyalkylfunctional group or an aminoalkyl functional group at the ends of itschain may be mixed with an organic diol or diamine coupling agent in acompatible solvent. The mixture may be then reacted with a diisocyanate.Silicone-urethanes are commercially available from Wacker Siliconesunder the trade name SLM-21200.

One embodiment of the composition of the present invention containsorganosilicone emulsions, which comprise organosilicones dispersed in asuitable carrier (typically water) in the presence of an emulsifier(typically an anionic surfactant).

In another embodiment, the organosilicones are in the form ofmicroemulsions. The organosilicone microemulsions may have an averageparticle size in the range from about 1 nm to about 150 nm, or fromabout 10 nm to about 100 nm, or from about 20 nm to about 50 nm.Microemulsions are more stable than conventional macroemulsions (averageparticle size about 1-20 microns) and when incorporated into a product,the resulting product has a preferred clear appearance. Moreimportantly, when the composition is used in a typical aqueous washenvironment, the emulsifiers in the composition become diluted such thatthe microemulsions can no longer be maintained and the organosiliconescoalesce to form significantly larger droplets which have an averageparticle size of greater than about 1 micron. Since the selectedorganosilicones are water insoluble or have limited solubility in water,they will crash out of the wash liquor, resulting in more efficientdeposition onto the fabrics and enhanced fabric care benefits. In atypical immersive wash environment, the composition is mixed with anexcess of water to form a wash liquor, which typically has a weightratio of water:composition ranging from 10:1 to 400:1.

A typical embodiment of the composition comprising from about 0.01% toabout 10%, by weight of composition of the organosilicones and aneffective amount of an emulsifier in a carrier. The “effective amount”of emulsifier is the amount sufficient to produce an organosiliconemicroemulsion in the carrier, preferably water. In some embodiments, theamount of emulsifiers ranges from about 5 to about 75 parts, or fromabout 25 to about 60 parts per 100 weight parts organosilicone.

The microemulsion typically comprises from about 10 to about 70%, orfrom about 25 to about 60%, by weight of the microemulsion of thedispersed organosilicones; from about 0.1 to about 30%, or from about 1to about 20%, by weight of the microemulsion of anionic surfactant;optionally, from about 0 to about 3%, or from about 0.1 to about 20%, byweight of the microemulsion of nonionic surfactant; and the balancebeing water, and optionally other carriers. Selected organosiliconepolymers (all those disclosed herein above, excluding PDMS and cationicsilicones) are suitable for forming microemulsions; theseorganosilicones are sometimes referred to as the “self emulsifyingsilicones”. Emulsifiers, particularly anionic surfactants, may be addedto aid the formation of organosilicone microemulsions in thecomposition. Optionally, nonionic surfactants useful as laundry adjunctsto provide detersive benefits can also aid the formation and stabilityof the microemulsions. In a typical embodiment, the amount ofemulsifiers is from about 0.05% to about 15% by weight of thecomposition.

Non-ester Quaternary ammonium compounds:

Suitable non-ester quaternary ammonium compounds comprise compounds ofthe formula:[R(4−m)—N+-R1m]X—wherein each R comprises either hydrogen, a short chain C1-C6, in oneaspect a C1-C3 alkyl or hydroxyalkyl group, for example methyl, ethyl,propyl, hydroxyethyl, poly(C2-3¬ alkoxy), polyethoxy, benzyl, ormixtures thereof; each m is 1, 2 or 3 with the proviso that the value ofeach m is the same; the sum of carbons in each R1 may be C12-C22, witheach R1 being a hydrocarbyl, or substituted hydrocarbyl group; and X—may comprise any softener-compatible anion. The softener-compatibleanion may comprise chloride, bromide, methylsulfate, ethylsulfate,sulfate, and nitrate. The softener-compatible anion may comprisechloride or methyl sulfate.Non-limiting examples include dialkylenedimethylammonium salts such asdicanoladimethylammonium chloride, di(hard)tallowdimethylammoniumchloride dicanoladimethylammonium methylsulfate, and mixtures thereof.An example of commercially available dialkylenedimethylammonium saltsusable in the present invention is dioleyldimethylammonium chlorideavailable from Witco Corporation under the trade name Adogen® 472 anddihardtallow dimethylammonium chloride available from Akzo Nobel Arquad2HT75.

Amines

Suitable amines include but are not limited to, materials selected fromthe group consisting of amidoesteramines, amidoamines, imidazolineamines, alkyl amines, and combinations thereof. Suitable ester aminesinclude but are not limited to, materials selected from the groupconsisting of monoester amines, diester amines, triester amines andcombinations thereof. Suitable amidoamines include but are not limitedto, materials selected from the group consisting of monoamido amines,diamido amines and combinations thereof. Suitable alkyl amines includebut are not limited to, materials selected from the group consisting ofmono alkylamines, dialkyl amines quats, trialkyl amines, andcombinations thereof.

Fatty Acid:

The liquid fabric softener composition may comprise a fatty acid, suchas a free fatty acid as fabric softening active. The term “fatty acid”is used herein in the broadest sense to include unprotonated orprotonated forms of a fatty acid. One skilled in the art will readilyappreciate that the pH of an aqueous composition will dictate, in part,whether a fatty acid is protonated or unprotonated. The fatty acid maybe in its unprotonated, or salt form, together with a counter ion, suchas, but not limited to, calcium, magnesium, sodium, potassium, and thelike. The term “free fatty acid” means a fatty acid that is not bound toanother chemical moiety (covalently or otherwise).

The fatty acid may include those containing from 12 to 25, from 13 to22, or even from 16 to 20, total carbon atoms, with the fatty moietycontaining from 10 to 22, from 12 to 18, or even from 14 (mid-cut) to 18carbon atoms.

The fatty acids may be derived from (1) an animal fat, and/or apartially hydrogenated animal fat, such as beef tallow, lard, etc.; (2)a vegetable oil, and/or a partially hydrogenated vegetable oil such ascanola oil, safflower oil, peanut oil, sunflower oil, sesame seed oil,rapeseed oil, cottonseed oil, corn oil, soybean oil, tall oil, rice branoil, palm oil, palm kernel oil, coconut oil, other tropical palm oils,linseed oil, tung oil, castor oil, etc.; (3) processed and/or bodiedoils, such as linseed oil or tung oil via thermal, pressure,alkali-isomerization and catalytic treatments; (4) combinations thereof,to yield saturated (e.g. stearic acid), unsaturated (e.g. oleic acid),polyunsaturated (linoleic acid), branched (e.g. isostearic acid) orcyclic (e.g. saturated or unsaturated disubstituted cyclopentyl orcyclohexyl derivatives of polyunsaturated acids) fatty acids.

Mixtures of fatty acids from different fat sources can be used.

The cis/trans ratio for the unsaturated fatty acids may be important,with the cis/trans ratio (of the C18:1 material) being from at least1:1, at least 3:1, from 4:1 or even from 9:1 or higher.

Branched fatty acids such as isostearic acid are also suitable sincethey may be more stable with respect to oxidation and the resultingdegradation of color and odor quality.

The fatty acid may have an iodine value from 0 to 140, from 50 to 120 oreven from 85 to 105.

Polysaccharides:

The liquid fabric softener composition may comprise a polysaccharide asa fabric softening active, such as cationic starch. Suitable cationicstarches for use in the present compositions are commercially availablefrom Cerestar under the trade name C*BOND® and from National Starch andChemical Company under the trade name CATO® 2A.

Sucrose Esters:

The liquid fabric softener composition may comprise one or more sucroseesters as a fabric softening active. Sucrose esters are typicallyderived from sucrose and fatty acids. Sucrose ester is composed of asucrose moiety having one or more of its hydroxyl groups esterified.

Sucrose is a disaccharide having the following formula:

Alternatively, the sucrose molecule can be represented by the formula:M(OH)8, wherein M is the disaccharide backbone and there are total of 8hydroxyl groups in the molecule.

Thus, sucrose esters can be represented by the following formula:M(OH)8−x(OC(O)R1)xwherein x is the number of hydroxyl groups that are esterified, whereas(8-x) is the hydroxyl groups that remain unchanged; x is an integerselected from 1 to 8, alternatively from 2 to 8, alternatively from 3 to8, or from 4 to 8; and R1 moieties are independently selected fromC1-C22 alkyl or C1-C30 alkoxy, linear or branched, cyclic or acyclic,saturated or unsaturated, substituted or unsubstituted.The R1 moieties may comprise linear alkyl or alkoxy moieties havingindependently selected and varying chain length. For example, R1 maycomprise a mixture of linear alkyl or alkoxy moieties wherein greaterthan 20% of the linear chains are C18, alternatively greater than 50% ofthe linear chains are C18, alternatively greater than 80% of the linearchains are C18.The R1 moieties may comprise a mixture of saturate and unsaturated alkylor alkoxy moieties. The iodine value of the sucrose esters suitable foruse herein ranges from 1 to 150, or from 2 to 100, or from 5 to 85. TheR1 moieties may be hydrogenated to reduce the degree of unsaturation. Inthe case where a higher iodine value is preferred, such as from 40 to95, then oleic acid and fatty acids derived from soybean oil and canolaoil are suitable starting materials.The unsaturated R1 moieties may comprise a mixture of “cis” and “trans”forms the unsaturated sites. The “cis”/“trans” ratios may range from 1:1to 50:1, or from 2:1 to 40:1, or from 3:1 to 30:1, or from 4:1 to 20:1.

Dispersible Polyolefins and Latexes:

Generally, all dispersible polyolefins that provide fabric softeningbenefits can be used as fabric softening active in the presentinvention. The polyolefins can be in the form of waxes, emulsions,dispersions or suspensions.

The polyolefin may be chosen from a polyethylene, polypropylene, orcombinations thereof. The polyolefin may be at least partially modifiedto contain various functional groups, such as carboxyl, alkylamide,sulfonic acid or amide groups. The polyolefin may be at least partiallycarboxyl modified or, in other words, oxidized.

Non-limiting examples of fabric softening active include dispersiblepolyethylene and polymer latexes. These agents can be in the form ofemulsions, latexes, dispersions, suspensions, and the like. In oneaspect, they are in the form of an emulsion or a latex. Dispersiblepolyethylenes and polymer latexes can have a wide range of particle sizediameters (χ50) including but not limited to from 1 nm to 100 μm;alternatively, from 10 nm to 10 μm. As such, the particle sizes ofdispersible polyethylenes and polymer latexes are generally, but withoutlimitation, smaller than silicones or other fatty oils.

Generally, any surfactant suitable for making polymer emulsions oremulsion polymerizations of polymer latexes can be used as emulsifiersfor polymer emulsions and latexes used as fabric softeners active in thepresent invention. Suitable surfactants include anionic, cationic, andnon-ionic surfactants, and combinations thereof. In one aspect, suchsurfactants are non-ionic and/or anionic surfactants. In one aspect, theratio of surfactant to polymer in the fabric softening active is 1:5,respectively.

Anionic Surfactant Scavenger

The composition may contain an anionic surfactant scavenger. Thesurfactant scavenger is preferably a water soluble cationic and/orzwitterionic scavenger compound. The cationic and zwitterionic scavengercompounds useful herein typically have a quaternized nitrogen atom oramine group. Suitable anionic surfactant scavengers, include, but notlimited to monoalkyl quaternary ammonium compounds and amine precursorsthereof, dialkyl quaternary ammonium compounds and amine precursorsthereof, polymeric amines, polyquaternary ammonium compounds and amineprecursors thereof.

Dispersants—

The compositions may contain from about 0.1%, to about 10%, by weight ofdispersants. Suitable water-soluble organic materials are the homo- orco-polymeric acids or their salts, in which the polycarboxylic acid maycontain at least two carboxyl radicals separated from each other by notmore than two carbon atoms. The dispersants may also be alkoxylatedderivatives of polyamines, and/or quaternized derivatives.

Dye Transfer Inhibiting Agents—

The compositions may also include from about 0.0001%, from about 0.01%,from about 0.05% by weight of the compositions to about 10%, about 2%,or even about 1% by weight of the compositions of one or more dyetransfer inhibiting agents such as polyvinylpyrrolidone polymers,polyamine N-oxide polymers, copolymers of N-vinylpyrrolidone andN-vinylimidazole, polyvinyloxazolidones and polyvinylimidazoles ormixtures thereof.

Chelant—

The compositions may contain less than about 5%, or from about 0.01% toabout 3% of a chelant such as citrates; nitrogen-containing, P-freeaminocarboxylates such as EDDS, EDTA and DTPA; aminophosphonates such asdiethylenetriamine pentamethylenephosphonic acid and, ethylenediaminetetramethylenephosphonic acid; nitrogen-free phosphonates e.g., HEDP;and nitrogen or oxygen containing, P-free carboxylate-free chelants suchas compounds of the general class of certain macrocyclic N-ligands suchas those known for use in bleach catalyst systems.

Brighteners—

The compositions may also comprise a brightener (also referred to as“optical brightener”) and may include any compound that exhibitsfluorescence, including compounds that absorb UV light and reemit as“blue” visible light. Non-limiting examples of useful brightenersinclude: derivatives of stilbene or 4,4′-diaminostilbene, biphenyl,five-membered heterocycles such as triazoles, pyrazolines, oxazoles,imidiazoles, etc., or six-membered heterocycles (coumarins,naphthalamide, s-triazine, etc.). Cationic, anionic, nonionic,amphoteric and zwitterionic brighteners can be used. Suitablebrighteners include those commercially marketed under the trade nameTinopal-UNPA-GX® by Ciba Specialty Chemicals Corporation (High Point,N.C.).

Structurant—

The compositions may contain one or more structurant and thickener. Anysuitable level of structurant may be of use; exemplary levels includefrom about 0.01% to about 20%, from about 0.1% to about 10%, or fromabout 0.1% to about 3% by weight of the composition. Non-limitingexamples of structurants suitable for use herein include crystalline,hydroxyl-containing stabilizing agents, trihydroxystearin, hydrogenatedoil, or a variation thereof, and combinations thereof. Otherstructurants include thickening structurants such as gums and othersimilar polysaccharides, for example gellan gum, carrageenan gum, andother known types of thickeners and rheological additives. Exemplarystructurants in this class include gum-type polymers (e.g. xanthan gum),polyvinyl alcohol and derivatives thereof, cellulose and derivativesthereof including cellulose ethers and cellulose esters and tamarind gum(for example, comprising xyloglucan polymers), guar gum, locust bean gum(in some aspects comprising galactomannan polymers), and otherindustrial gums and polymers.

Structurants may also include homo- and co-polymers comprising cationicmonomers selected from the group consisting of N,N-dialkylaminoalkylmethacrylate, N,N-dialkylaminoalkyl methyl methacrylate,N,N-dialkylaminoalkyl acrylate, N,N-dialkylaminoalkyl acrylamide,N,N-dialkylaminoalkylmethacrylamide, quaternized N,N-dialkylaminoalkylmethacrylate, quaternized N,N-dialkylaminoalkyl methyl methacrylate,quaternized N,N-dialkylaminoalkyl acrylate, quaternizedN,N-dialkylaminoalkyl acrylamide, quaternizedN,N-dialkylaminoalkylmethacrylamide.

Perfume:

The optional perfume component may comprise a component selected fromthe group consisting of

-   -   (1) a perfume capsule, or a moisture-activated perfume capsule,        comprising a perfume carrier and an encapsulated perfume        composition, wherein said perfume carrier may be selected from        the group consisting of cyclodextrins, starch capsules, porous        carrier capsules, and mixtures thereof; and wherein said        encapsulated perfume composition may comprise low volatile        perfume ingredients, high volatile perfume ingredients, and        mixtures thereof;    -   (2) a pro-perfume;    -   (3) a low odor detection threshold perfume ingredients, wherein        said low odor detection threshold perfume ingredients may        comprise less than about 25%, by weight of the total neat        perfume composition; and    -   (4) mixtures thereof; and

Porous Carrier Capsule—A portion of the perfume composition can also beabsorbed onto and/or into a porous carrier, such as zeolites or clays,to form perfume porous carrier capsules in order to reduce the amount offree perfume in the multiple use fabric conditioning composition.

Pro-perfume—The perfume composition may additionally include apro-perfume. Pro-perfumes may comprise nonvolatile materials thatrelease or convert to a perfume material as a result of, e.g., simplehydrolysis, or may be pH-change-triggered pro-perfumes (e.g. triggeredby a pH drop) or may be enzymatically releasable pro-perfumes, orlight-triggered pro-perfumes. The pro-perfumes may exhibit varyingrelease rates depending upon the pro-perfume chosen.

Perfume Delivery Systems

As disclosed, the benefits of the perfumes disclosed herein may befurther enhanced by employing a perfume delivery system to apply suchperfumes. Non-limiting examples of suitable perfume delivery systems,methods of making perfume delivery systems and the uses of such perfumedelivery systems are disclosed in USPA 2007/0275866 A1. Such perfumedelivery systems include:

Polymer Assisted Delivery (PAD):

This perfume delivery technology uses polymeric materials to deliverperfume materials. Classical coacervation, water soluble or partlysoluble to insoluble charged or neutral polymers, liquid crystals, hotmelts, hydrogels, perfumed plastics, capsules, nano- and micro-latexes,polymeric film formers, and polymeric absorbents, polymeric adsorbents,etc. are some examples. PAD includes but is not limited to:

Matrix Systems:

The fragrance is dissolved or dispersed in a polymer matrix or particle.Perfumes, for example, may be 1) dispersed into the polymer prior toformulating into the product or 2) added separately from the polymerduring or after formulation of the product. Diffusion of perfume fromthe polymer is a common trigger that allows or increases the rate ofperfume release from a polymeric matrix system that is deposited orapplied to the desired surface (situs), although many other triggers areknown that may control perfume release. Absorption and/or adsorptioninto or onto polymeric particles, films, solutions, and the like areaspects of this technology. Nano- or micro-particles composed of organicmaterials (e.g., latexes) are examples. Suitable particles include awide range of materials including, but not limited to polyacetal,polyacrylate, polyacrylic, polyacrylonitrile, polyamide,polyaryletherketone, polybutadiene, polybutylene, polybutyleneterephthalate, polychloroprene, polyethylene, polyethyleneterephthalate, polycyclohexylene dimethylene terephthalate,polycarbonate, polychloroprene, polyhydroxyalkanoate, polyketone,polyester, polyetherimide, polyethersulfone, polyethylenechlorinates,polyimide, polyisoprene, polylactic acid, polymethylpentene,polyphenylene oxide, polyphenylene sulfide, polyphthalamide,polypropylene, polystyrene, polysulfone, polyvinyl acetate, polyvinylchloride, as well as polymers or copolymers based onacrylonitrile-butadiene, cellulose acetate, ethylene-vinyl acetate,ethylene vinyl alcohol, styrene-butadiene, vinyl acetate-ethylene, andmixtures thereof.

Silicones are also examples of polymers that may be used as PDT, and canprovide perfume benefits in a manner similar to the polymer-assisteddelivery “matrix system”. Such a PDT is referred to as silicone-assisteddelivery (SAD). One may pre-load silicones with perfume, or use them asan equilibrium system as described for PAD. Examples of siliconesinclude polydimethylsiloxane and polyalkyldimethylsiloxanes. Otherexamples include those with amine functionality, which may be used toprovide benefits associated with amine-assisted delivery (AAD) and/orpolymer-assisted delivery (PAD) and/or amine-reaction products (ARP).

Reservoir Systems:

Reservoir systems are also known as a core-shell type technology, or onein which the fragrance is surrounded by a perfume release controllingmembrane, which may serve as a protective shell. The material inside thecapsule is referred to as the core, internal phase, or fill, whereas thewall is sometimes called a shell, coating, or membrane. Microparticlesor pressure sensitive capsules or capsules are examples of thistechnology. Capsules of the current invention are formed by a variety ofprocedures that include, but are not limited to, coating, extrusion,spray-drying, interfacial, in-situ and matrix polymerization. Thepossible shell materials vary widely in their stability toward water.Among the most stable are polyoxymethyleneurea (PMU)-based materials,which may hold certain PRMs for even long periods of time in aqueoussolution (or product). Such systems include but are not limited tourea-formaldehyde and/or melamine-formaldehyde. Gelatin-based capsulesmay be prepared so that they dissolve quickly or slowly in water,depending for example on the degree of cross-linking. Many other capsulewall materials are available and vary in the degree of perfume diffusionstability observed. Without wishing to be bound by theory, the rate ofrelease of perfume from a capsule, for example, once deposited on asurface is typically in reverse order of in-product perfume diffusionstability. As such, urea-formaldehyde and melamine-formaldehyde capsulesfor example, typically require a release mechanism other than, or inaddition to, diffusion for release, such as mechanical force (e.g.,friction, pressure, shear stress) that serves to break the capsule andincrease the rate of perfume (fragrance) release. Other triggers includemelting, dissolution, hydrolysis or other chemical reaction,electromagnetic radiation, and the like. The use of pre-loaded capsulesrequires the proper ratio of in-product stability and in-use and/oron-surface (on-situs) release, as well as proper selection of PRMs.Capsules that are based on urea-formaldehyde and/ormelamine-formaldehyde are relatively stable, especially in near neutralaqueous-based solutions. These materials may require a friction triggerwhich may not be applicable to all product applications. Other capsulematerials (e.g., gelatin) may be unstable in aqueous-based products andmay even provide reduced benefit (versus free perfume control) whenin-product aged. Scratch and sniff technologies are yet another exampleof PAD.

In one aspect, the capsule wall material may comprise: melamine,polyacrylamide, silicones, silica, polystyrene, polyurea, polyurethanes,polyacrylate based materials, gelatin, styrene malic anhydride,polyamides, and mixtures thereof. In one aspect, said melamine wallmaterial may comprise melamine crosslinked with formaldehyde,melamine-dimethoxyethanol crosslinked with formaldehyde, and mixturesthereof. In one aspect, said polystyrene wall material may comprisepolyestyrene cross-linked with divinylbenzene. In one aspect, saidpolyurea wall material may comprise urea crosslinked with formaldehyde,urea crosslinked with gluteraldehyde, and mixtures thereof. In oneaspect, said polyacrylate based materials may comprise polyacrylateformed from methylmethacrylate/dimethylaminomethyl methacrylate,polyacrylate formed from amine acrylate and/or methacrylate and strongacid, polyacrylate formed from carboxylic acid acrylate and/ormethacrylate monomer and strong base, polyacrylate formed from an amineacrylate and/or methacrylate monomer and a carboxylic acid acrylateand/or carboxylic acid methacrylate monomer, and mixtures thereof. Inone aspect, the encapsulated perfume may be coated with a depositionaid, a cationic polymer, a non-ionic polymer, an anionic polymer, ormixtures thereof. Suitable polymers may be selected from the groupconsisting of: polyvinylformaldehyde, partially hydroxylatedpolyvinylformaldehyde, polyvinylamine, polyethyleneimine, ethoxylatedpolyethyleneimine, polyvinylalcohol, polyacrylates, and combinationsthereof. In one aspect, one or more types of encapsulated perfumes, forexample two types of encapsulated perfumes each having a differentbenefit agent, and/or processing parameters may be used.

Molecule-Assisted Delivery (MAD):

Non-polymer materials or molecules may also serve to improve thedelivery of perfume. Without wishing to be bound by theory, perfume maynon-covalently interact with organic materials, resulting in altereddeposition and/or release. Non-limiting examples of such organicmaterials include but are not limited to hydrophobic materials such asorganic oils, waxes, mineral oils, petrolatum, fatty acids or esters,sugars, surfactants, liposomes and even other perfume raw material(perfume oils), as well as natural oils, including body and/or othersoils. Perfume fixatives are yet another example. In one aspect,non-polymeric materials or molecules have a C Log P greater than about2.

Cyclodextrin (CD):

This technology approach uses a cyclic oligosaccharide or cyclodextrinto improve the delivery of perfume. Typically, a perfume andcyclodextrin (CD) complex is formed. Such complexes may be preformed,formed in-situ, or formed on or in the situs. Without wishing to bebound by theory, loss of water may serve to shift the equilibrium towardthe CD-Perfume complex, especially if other adjunct ingredients (e.g.,surfactant) are not present at high concentration to compete with theperfume for the cyclodextrin cavity. A bloom benefit may be achieved ifwater exposure or an increase in moisture content occurs at a later timepoint. In addition, cyclodextrin allows the perfume formulator increasedflexibility in selection of PRMs. Cyclodextrin may be pre-loaded withperfume or added separately from perfume to obtain the desired perfumestability, deposition or release benefit.

Starch Encapsulated Accord (SEA):

The use of a starch encapsulated accord (SEA) technology allows one tomodify the properties of the perfume, for example, by converting aliquid perfume into a solid by adding ingredients such as starch. Thebenefit includes increased perfume retention during product storage,especially under non-aqueous conditions. Upon exposure to moisture, aperfume bloom may be triggered. Benefits at other moments of truth mayalso be achieved because the starch allows the product formulator toselect PRMs or PRM concentrations that normally cannot be used withoutthe presence of SEA. Another technology example includes the use ofother organic and inorganic materials, such as silica to convert perfumefrom liquid to solid.

Zeolite & Inorganic Carrier (ZIC):

This technology relates to the use of porous zeolites or other inorganicmaterials to deliver perfumes. Perfume-loaded zeolite may be used withor without adjunct ingredients used for example to coat theperfume-loaded zeolite (PLZ) to change its perfume release propertiesduring product storage or during use or from the dry situs. Silica isanother form of ZIC. Another example of a suitable inorganic carrierincludes inorganic tubules, where the perfume or other active materialis contained within the lumen of the nano- or micro-tubules. Preferably,the perfume-loaded inorganic tubule (or Perfume-Loaded Tubule or PLT) isa mineral nano- or micro-tubule, such as halloysite or mixtures ofhalloysite with other inorganic materials, including other clays. ThePLT technology may also comprise additional ingredients on the insideand/or outside of the tubule for the purpose of improving in-productdiffusion stability, deposition on the desired situs or for controllingthe release rate of the loaded perfume. Monomeric and/or polymericmaterials, including starch encapsulation, may be used to coat, plug,cap, or otherwise encapsulate the PLT.

Fabric Hueing Agents—

The composition may comprise a fabric hueing agent (sometimes referredto as shading, bluing or whitening agents). Typically, the hueing agentprovides a blue or violet shade to fabric. Hueing agents can be usedeither alone or in combination to create a specific shade of hueingand/or to shade different fabric types. This may be provided for exampleby mixing a red and green-blue dye to yield a blue or violet shade.Hueing agents may be selected from any known chemical class of dye,including but not limited to acridine, anthraquinone (includingpolycyclic quinones), azine, azo (e.g., monoazo, disazo, trisazo,tetrakisazo, polyazo), including premetallized azo, benzodifurane andbenzodifuranone, carotenoid, coumarin, cyanine, diazahemicyanine,diphenylmethane, formazan, hemicyanine, indigoids, methane,naphthalimides, naphthoquinone, nitro and nitroso, oxazine,phthalocyanine, pyrazoles, stilbene, styryl, triarylmethane,triphenylmethane, xanthenes and mixtures thereof.

Suitable fabric hueing agents include dyes, dye-clay conjugates, andorganic and inorganic pigments. Suitable dyes include small moleculedyes and polymeric dyes. Suitable small molecule dyes include smallmolecule dyes selected from the group consisting of dyes falling intothe Colour Index (C.I.) classifications of Acid, Direct, Basic, Reactiveor hydrolysed Reactive, Solvent or Disperse dyes for example that areclassified as Blue, Violet, Red, Green or Black, and provide the desiredshade either alone or in combination. In another aspect, suitable smallmolecule dyes include small molecule dyes selected from the groupconsisting of Colour Index (Society of Dyers and Colourists, Bradford,UK) numbers Direct Violet dyes such as 9, 35, 48, 51, 66, and 99, DirectBlue dyes such as 1, 71, 80 and 279, Acid Red dyes such as 17, 73, 52,88 and 150, Acid Violet dyes such as 15, 17, 24, 43, 49 and 50, AcidBlue dyes such as 15, 17, 25, 29, 40, 45, 75, 80, 83, 90 and 113, AcidBlack dyes such as 1, Basic Violet dyes such as 1, 3, 4, 10 19, 35, 38,and 48, Basic Blue dyes such as 3, 16, 22, 47, 65, 66, 67, 71, 75 and159, Disperse or Solvent dyes, and mixtures thereof. In another aspect,suitable small molecule dyes include small molecule dyes selected fromthe group consisting of C. I. numbers Acid Violet 17, Acid Blue 80, AcidViolet 50, Direct Blue 71, Direct Violet 51, Direct Blue 1, Acid Red 88,Acid Red 150, Acid Blue 29, Acid Blue 113 or mixtures thereof.

Polymeric Dyes—

Suitable polymeric dyes include polymeric dyes selected from the groupconsisting of polymers containing covalently bound (sometimes referredto as conjugated) chromogens, (dye-polymer conjugates), for examplepolymers with chromogens co-polymerized into the backbone of the polymerand mixtures thereof.

In another aspect, suitable polymeric dyes include polymeric dyesselected from the group consisting of fabric-substantive colorants soldunder the name of Liquitint® (Milliken, Spartanburg, S.C., USA),dye-polymer conjugates formed from at least one reactive dye and apolymer selected from the group consisting of polymers comprising amoiety selected from the group consisting of a hydroxyl moiety, aprimary amine moiety, a secondary amine moiety, a thiol moiety andmixtures thereof. In still another aspect, suitable polymeric dyesinclude polymeric dyes selected from the group consisting of Liquitint®Violet CT, carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) covalently bound to a reactiveblue, reactive violet or reactive red dye such as CMC conjugated withC.I. Reactive Blue 19, sold by Megazyme, Wicklow, Ireland under theproduct name AZO-CM-CELLULOSE, product code S-ACMC, alkoxylatedtriphenyl-methane polymeric colourants, alkoxylated thiophene polymericcolourants, and mixtures thereof.

The aforementioned fabric hueing agents can be used in combination (anymixture of fabric hueing agents can be used).

Coatings—

In one aspect of the invention, perfume capsules are manufactured andare subsequently coated with an additional material. Non-limitingexamples of coating materials include but are not limited to materialsselected from the group consisting of poly(meth)acrylate,poly(ethylene-maleic anhydride), polyamine, wax, polyvinylpyrrolidone,polyvinylpyrrolidone co-polymers, polyvinylpyrrolidone-ethyl acrylate,polyvinylpyrrolidone-vinyl acrylate, polyvinylpyrrolidonemethylacrylate, polyvinylpyrrolidone/vinyl acetate, polyvinyl acetal,polyvinyl butyral, polysiloxane, poly(propylene maleic anhydride),maleic anhydride derivatives, co-polymers of maleic anhydridederivatives, polyvinyl alcohol, styrene-butadiene latex, gelatin, gumArabic, carboxymethyl cellulose, carboxymethyl hydroxyethyl cellulose,hydroxyethyl cellulose, other modified celluloses, sodium alginate,chitosan, casein, pectin, modified starch, polyvinyl acetal, polyvinylbutyral, polyvinyl methyl ether/maleic anhydride, polyvinyl pyrrolidoneand its co polymers, poly(vinyl pyrrolidone/methacrylamidopropyltrimethyl ammonium chloride), polyvinylpyrrolidone/vinyl acetate,polyvinyl pyrrolidone/dimethylaminoethyl methacrylate, polyvinyl amines,polyvinyl formamides, polyallyl amines and copolymers of polyvinylamines, polyvinyl formamides, and polyallyl amines and mixtures thereof.Such materials can be obtained from CP Kelco Corp. of San Diego, Calif.,USA; Degussa AG or Dusseldorf, Germany; BASF AG of Ludwigshafen,Germany; Rhodia Corp. of Cranbury, N.J., USA; Baker Hughes Corp. ofHouston, Tex., USA; Hercules Corp. of Wilmington, Del., USA; Agrium Inc.of Calgary, Alberta, Canada, ISP of New Jersey U.S.A.

Formaldehyde Scavenger—

In one aspect perfume particles may be combined with a formaldehydescavenger. In one aspect, such perfume capsules may comprise the perfumecapsules of the present invention. Suitable formaldehyde scavengersinclude materials selected from the group consisting of sodiumbisulfite, melamine, urea, ethylene urea, cysteine, cysteamine, lysine,glycine, serine, carnosine, histidine, glutathione, 3,4-diaminobenzoicacid, allantoin, glycouril, anthranilic acid, methyl anthranilate,methyl 4-aminobenzoate, ethyl acetoacetate, acetoacetamide, malonamide,ascorbic acid, 1,3-dihydroxyacetone dimer, biuret, oxamide,benzoguanamine, pyroglutamic acid, pyrogallol, methyl gallate, ethylgallate, propyl gallate, triethanol amine, succinamide, thiabendazole,benzotriazol, triazole, indoline, sulfanilic acid, oxamide, sorbitol,glucose, cellulose, poly(vinyl alcohol), partially hydrolyzedpoly(vinylformamide), poly(vinyl amine), poly(ethylene imine),poly(oxyalkyleneamine), poly(vinyl alcohol)-co-poly(vinyl amine),poly(4-aminostyrene), poly(l-lysine), chitosan, hexane diol,ethylenediamine-N,N′-bisacetoacetamide, N-(2-ethylhexyl)acetoacetamide,2-benzoylacetoacetamide, N-(3-phenylpropyl)acetoacetamide, lilial,helional, melonal, triplal, 5,5-dimethyl-1,3-cyclohexanedione,2,4-dimethyl-3-cyclohexenecarboxaldehyde,2,2-dimethyl-1,3-dioxan-4,6-dione, 2-pentanone, dibutyl amine,triethylenetetramine, ammonium hydroxide, benzylamine,hydroxycitronellol, cyclohexanone, 2-butanone, pentane dione,dehydroacetic acid, or a mixture thereof. These formaldehyde scavengersmay be obtained from Sigma/Aldrich/Fluka of St. Louis, Mo. U.S.A. orPolySciences, Inc. of Warrington, Pa., U.S.A.

Carrier—

The compositions generally contain a carrier. In some aspects, thecarrier may be water alone or mixtures of organic solvents with water.In some aspects, organic solvents include 1,2-propanediol, ethanol,isopropanol, glycerol and mixtures thereof. Other lower alcohols, C₁-C₄alkanolamines such as monoethanolamine and triethanolamine, can also beused. Suitable carriers include, but are not limited to, salts, sugars,polyvinyl alcohols (PVA), modified PVAs; polyvinyl pyrrolidone.

Method of Use and Treated Article

Compositions disclosed herein can be used to clean and/or treat afabric. Typically, at least a portion of the fabric is contacted with anembodiment of Applicants' composition, in neat form or diluted in aliquor, for example, a wash liquor and then the fabric may be optionallywashed and/or rinsed

For purposes of the present invention, washing includes but is notlimited to, scrubbing, and mechanical agitation. The fabric may comprisemost any fabric capable of being laundered or treated in normal consumeruse conditions. Wash liquors that may comprise the disclosedcompositions may have a pH of from about 3 to about 12. Suchcompositions are typically employed at concentrations of from about 500ppm to about 15,000 ppm in the wash liquor or at a concentration thatotherwise provides from about 50 ppm to about 350 ppm of softener activein the wash liquor. When the wash solvent is water, the watertemperature typically ranges from about 5° C. to about 90° C. and, whenthe fabric comprises a fabric, the water to fabric ratio is typicallyfrom about 1:1 to about 30:1.

A fabric treated with a liquid fabric enhancer according to ParagraphsF) through K) is disclosed.

A method of treating and/or cleaning a fabric, said method comprising

-   -   a) optionally washing and/or rinsing said fabric;    -   b) contacting said fabric with a liquid fabric enhancer        according to Paragraphs F) through K);    -   c) optionally washing and/or rinsing said fabric; and    -   d) optionally passively or actively drying said fabric is        disclosed.

The use of the fabric enhancer according to any of Paragraphs F) throughK) to soften a fabric is disclosed.

Test Methods

Molecular Weight Distribution

Weight-average molecular weight (M_(w)) values were determined asfollows. Sample molecular weights were determined on an Agilent 1260HPLC system equipped with autosampler, column oven, and refractive indexdetector. The operating system was OpenLAB CDS ChemStation Workstation(A.01.03). Data storage and analysis were performed with Cirrus GPCoffline, GPC/SEC Software for ChemStation, version 3.4. Chromatographicconditions are given in Table 3. In carrying out the calculation, theresults were calibrated using polystyrene reference samples having knownmolecular weights. Measurements of M_(w) values vary by 5% or less. Themolecular weight analyses were determined using a chloroform mobilephase.

TABLE 3 Parameter Conditions Column Set Three ResiPore columns (Agilent#1113-6300) in series with guard column (Agilent #1113-1300) Particlesize: 3 μm Column dimensions: 300 × 7.5 mm Mobile Phase Chloroform FlowRate 1 mL/min, needle wash is included Column Temperature 40° C.Injection Volume 20 μL Detector Refractive Index Detector Temperature40° C.Table 4 shows the molecular weights and the retention times of thepolystyrene standards.

TABLE 4 Standard Number Average Reported MW Retention Time (mm) 1150,000 19.11 2 100,000 19.63 3 70,000 20.43 4 50,000 20.79 5 30,00021.76 6 9,000 23.27 7 5,000 23.86 8 1,000 27.20 9 500 28.48

Iodine Value

Another aspect of the invention provides a method to measure the iodinevalue of the branched polyester polymer. The iodine value is determinedusing AOCS Official Method Cd 1-25 with the following modifications:carbon tetrachloride solvent is replaced with chloroform (25 ml), anaccuracy check sample (oleic acid 99%, Sigma-Aldrich; IV=89.86±2.00cg/g) is added to the sample set, and the reported IV is corrected forminor contribution from olefins identified when

Softness Testing Performance of Fabric Softener

To evaluate the efficacy of a fabric softener composition for deliveringa fabric softening benefit, North America Kenmore 80 Series top-loadingwashing machines were used. Each machine was set to run a Normal singlecycle including a 12 minute wash agitation period, and 1 three-minuterinse. The water used was 137 ppm hardness and 25° C. for the wash, and15.5° C. for the rinse. The water volume at each step was 64 Liters. Thetotal fabric load weight was 3.6 kg (which includes 10 test fabric handtowel terry cloths, and the remaining ballast consisting of half cottonfabric only and half 50/50 poly-cotton blend). The detergent used wasTIDE ORIGINAL SCENT liquid detergent (produced by The Procter & GambleCompany). 84.3 g of detergent was dosed into the wash water while thewash water was filling. This was followed by the wash agitation (Normalsetting), and the rinse step (with corresponding spin cycle). Fabricsoftener composition was added into the rinse cycle as the rinse waterwas ⅔ filled, dosed at 48.5 g.After the wash process was completed, the fabrics were removed. The testfabrics were machine dried in Kenmore dryers on Cotton/High setting, for50 minutes. The steps of washing and drying were repeated two moretimes. After the third wash and dry cycle, the test fabrics wereequilibrated for 24 hours in a 70F/50% Relative Humidity controlledroom. After the test fabric terry cloths had equilibrated, the kinematiccoefficient of friction of each terry was evaluated using a ThwingAlbert Friction/Peel Tester FP-2250 by attaching a swatch cut from theterry cloth to a sled and dragging the sled over a portion of theremaining terry cloth at a fixed rate. The kinetic coefficient offriction data reported were all measured using the same method andinstrumentation. The average for the 10 terry cloths washed in therespective product are reported.

EXAMPLES

While particular embodiments of the present invention have beenillustrated and described, it would be obvious to those skilled in theart that various other changes and modifications can be made withoutdeparting from the spirit and scope of the invention. It is thereforeintended to cover in the appended claims all such changes andmodifications that are within the scope of this invention.

Example 1

A branched polyester is produced as follows:

A carbinol terminated polydimethylsiloxane, DMS-C21 (47.80 g; Availablefrom Gelest, Inc., Morrisville, Pa.) is combined with a branchedpolyester, Hyperrrier LP1 LQ-(AP) (30.00 g; Available from CrodaInternational Plc, East Yorkshire, UK), para-toluene sulfonic acidmonohydrate (0.08 g; Available from Sigma-Aldrich, St. Louis, Mo.) andtoluene (200 mL). The mixture is refluxed with stirring for 18 hours,with utilization of a Dean-Stark apparatus for liberated watercollection. The toluene is removed under reduced pressure and heat viarotary evaporation to yield a viscous liquid.

Example 2

A branched polyester is produced as follows:

A carbinol terminated polydimethylsiloxane, DMS-C15 (29.85 g; Availablefrom Gelest, Inc., Morrisville, Pa.) is combined with a branchedpolyester, Solsperse 3000 (50.00 g; Available from The Lubrizol Corp.,Wickliffe, Ohio), 11-aminoundecanoic acid, (6.01 g; Available fromSigma-Aldrich, St. Louis, Mo.) and cumene sulfonic acid (7.17 g;Available from Nease, West Chester, Ohio). The mixture is heated withstirring and nitrogen sweep for 16 hours at 160° C., cooled, centrifugedand upper layer isolated to yield the branched polyester as a viscousliquid.

Example 3

A branched polyester is produced as follows:

A carbinol terminated polydimethylsiloxane, DMS-C21 (149.25 g; Availablefrom Gelest, Inc., Morrisville, Pa.) is combined with a branchedpolyester, Solsperse 3000 (50.00 g; Available from The Lubrizol Corp.,Wickliffe, Ohio), beta-alanine, (2.66 g; Available from Sigma-Aldrich,St. Louis, Mo.) and cumene sulfonic acid (6.58 g; Available from Nease,West Chester, Ohio). The mixture is heated with stirring and nitrogensweep for 16 hours at 160° C., cooled, centrifuged and upper layerisolated to yield the branched polyester as a viscous liquid.

Example 4

A branched polyester is produced as follows:

A carbinol terminated polydimethylsiloxane, DMS-C21 (149.25 g; Availablefrom Gelest, Inc., Morrisville, Pa.) is combined with a branchedpolyester, Solsperse 3000 (50.00 g; Available from The Lubrizol Corp.,Wickliffe, Ohio), L-glutamic acid, (2.20 g; Available fromSigma-Aldrich, St. Louis, Mo.) and cumene sulfonic acid (3.29 g;Available from Nease, West Chester, Ohio). The mixture is heated withstirring and nitrogen sweep for 16 hours at 160° C., cooled, centrifugedand upper layer isolated to yield the branched polyester as a viscousliquid.

Examples 5: Liquid Fabric Enhancer

Liquid Fabric Enhancers are prepared by mixing together ingredientsshown below:

EXAMPLE COMPOSITION 5A 5B Fabric Softener Active¹ 8.0 7.5 Quaternizedpolyacrylamide² 0.135 0.135 Polyester Polymer From Example 1 4.0 2.0Water soluble dialkyl quat³ 0.2 0.2 Water, emulsifiers, perfume, sudsq.s. to 100% q.s. to 100% suppressor, stabilizers, preservative, pH =3.0 pH = 3.0 antioxidant, chelant, pH control agents, buffers, dyes &other optional ingredientsThe liquid fabric enhancers provided by the formula above is made bycombining such ingredients in accordance with the method of makingprovided in this specification. Fabrics are washed in the compositionsshown in Example 1 and friction performance is measured using methodsshown in the Methods Section. The data are shown in Table 1.

TABLE 1 Softness Performance of Liquid Fabric Enhancers Downy Fabric NilFabric Example 5A Example 5B Softener Softener Average coefficient of1.14 1.16 1.26 1.62 friction Standard Deviation 0.03 0.04 0.04 0.03As shown in Table 1, compositions comprising the said polyester polymergive significantly lower kinetic coefficient of friction than DownyFabric Softener and fabrics which were not treated with any fabricsoftener.

Examples 6: Liquid Fabric Enhancer

Liquid Fabric Enhancer are prepared by mixing together ingredients shownbelow:

EXAMPLE COMPOSITION 6A 6B 6C Fabric Softener Active¹ 8 8 8 Quaternizedpolyacrylamide² 0.135 0.135 0.135 Polyester Polymer from 4.0 2.0 6.0Example 1 to 4 and mixtures thereof Water soluble dialkyl quat³ 2.0 0.20.2 Water, emulsifiers, suds q.s. to 100% q.s. to 100% q.s. to 100%suppressor, perfume, pH = 3.0 pH = 3.0 pH = 3.0 stabilizers,preservative, antioxidant, chelant, pH control agents, buffers, dyes &other optional ingredients

The liquid fabric enhancers provided by the formula above are made bycombining the listed ingredients in accordance with the method of makingprovided in this specification. Fabrics are washed in the compositionsshown in Example 1 and friction performance is measured using methodsshown in the Methods Section.

Examples 7: Liquid Fabric Enhancer

Liquid Fabric Enhancers are prepared by mixing together ingredientsshown below:

EXAMPLE COMPOSITION 7A 7B 7C 7D 7E 7F 7G Fabric Softener Active¹ 7.4 5.5— — — 9.0 7.8 Fabric Softener Active⁴ 7.4 5.5 Quaternizedpolyacrylamide² 0.175 0.175 0.14 0.14 0.14 0.14 0.14 Polyester Polymerfrom Example 4.4 5.5 4.4 4.4 5.5 2.2 2.2 1 to 4 and mixtures thereofWater soluble dialkyl quat⁴ 2.3 3.0 0.2 0.2 0.2 0.2 0.2 Perfume 1.751.75 1.25 1.25 1.25 1.25 1.25 Perfume capsule⁵ 0.138 0.138 0.3 0.3 0.30.3 0.3 Amino-functional organosiloxane 1.0 3.0 2.4 2.4 1.8 1.2 1.2polymer⁶ Water, emulsifiers, suds q.s. to q.s. to q.s. to q.s. to q.s.to q.s. to q.s. to suppressor, stabilizers, 100% 100% 100% 100% 100%100% 100% preservative, antioxidant, chelant, pH = pH = pH = pH = pH =pH = pH = pH control agents, buffers, dyes 3.0 3.0 3.0 3.0 3.0 3.0 3.0 &other optional ingredients The composition provided by the formula aboveis made by combining such ingredients in accordance with the method ofmaking provided in this specification.¹N,N-di(alkanoyloxyethyl)-N,N-dimethylammonium chloride where alkylconsists predominately of C16-C18 alkyl chains with an IV value of about20 available from Evonik Corp of Hopewell, VA. ²Cationic polyacrylamidepolymer such as a copolymer ofacrylamide/[2-(acryloylamino)ethyl]tri-methylammonium chloride(quaternized dimethyl aminoethyl acrylate) available from BASF, AG,Ludwigshafen. ³Didecyl dimethyl ammonium chloride under the trade nameBardac ® 2280 available from Lonza Ltd. of Basel Switzerland orHydrogenated tallowalkyl(2-ethylhexyl)dimethyl ammonium methylsulfatefrom AkzoNobel. ⁴Methyl bis[ethyl (tallowate)]-2-hydroxyethyl ammoniummethyl sulfate available from Stepan Company, Northfield, IL. ⁵Perfumecapsules available from Encapsys, Inc, Appleton, WI ⁶PropoxylatedAmino-functional organosiloxane polymer as described in U.S. Pat. No.8,748,646

The dimensions and values disclosed herein are not to be understood asbeing strictly limited to the exact numerical values recited. Instead,unless otherwise specified, each such dimension is intended to mean boththe recited value and a functionally equivalent range surrounding thatvalue. For example, a dimension disclosed as “40 mm” is intended to mean“about 40 mm”

Every document cited herein, including any cross referenced or relatedpatent or application and any patent application or patent to which thisapplication claims priority or benefit thereof, is hereby incorporatedherein by reference in its entirety unless expressly excluded orotherwise limited. The citation of any document is not an admission thatit is prior art with respect to any invention disclosed or claimedherein or that it alone, or in any combination with any other referenceor references, teaches, suggests or discloses any such invention.Further, to the extent that any meaning or definition of a term in thisdocument conflicts with any meaning or definition of the same term in adocument incorporated by reference, the meaning or definition assignedto that term in this document shall govern.

While particular embodiments of the present invention have beenillustrated and described, it would be obvious to those skilled in theart that various other changes and modifications can be made withoutdeparting from the spirit and scope of the invention. It is thereforeintended to cover in the appended claims all such changes andmodifications that are within the scope of this invention.

What is claimed is:
 1. A liquid fabric enhancer comprising, based ontotal liquid fabric enhancer weight, from about 1% to about 50% of abranched polyester having: I) Formula 1

wherein: a) the index n is an integer from 1 to about 100; b) T is ahydrogen or —C(O)—R₁ where in R₁ is an alkyl chain comprising from 7 to21 carbon atoms; c) each A is independently a branched hydrocarbon chaincomprising from 4 to 40 carbon atoms; d) Y is selected from the groupconsisting of oxygen and NR₂, wherein each R₂ is independently selectedfrom the group consisting of hydrogen, or a C₁-C₈ alkyl; e) Q isselected from the group consisting of: i) —B ii) —Z—X—Z—W, and iii)—V—U—Z—X—Z—W wherein B is a substituted C₁-C₂₄ alkyl group; each Z isindependently a substituted or unsubstituted divalent C₂-C₄₀ alkyleneradical; X is polysiloxane moiety; W is selected from the groupconsisting of —OR₄,

each R₂ is independently selected from the group consisting of hydrogenor a C₁-C₈ alkyl; R₄ is selected from a hydrogen atom, a C₁-C₂₄ alkylgroup or a substituted C₁-C₂₄ alkyl group; V is a C₁-C₂₄ divalentalkylene radical or a substituted C₁-C₂₄ divalent alkylene; U is —C(O)O—or —C(O)NH—; and/or II) Formula 2

wherein: a) each index n is independently an integer from 1 to about100; b) T is a hydrogen atom or —C(O)—R₁ where in R₁ is an alkyl chaincomprising from 7 to 21 carbon atoms; c) each A is independently abranched hydrocarbon chain comprising from 4 to 40 carbon atoms; d) eachY is independently selected from the group consisting of oxygen and NR₂,wherein each R₂ is independently selected from the group consisting ofhydrogen or a C₁-C₈ alkyl; e) M is selected from the group consistingof: i) a C₁-C₂₄ divalent linear or branched alkylene radical; ii)—Z—X—Z—; and iii) -(D-U—Z—X—Z—U)_(m)-D- wherein: m is an integer from 1to about 10; each Z is independently a substituted or unsubstituteddivalent C₂-C₄₀ alkylene radical; X is polysiloxane moiety; U is —C(O)O—or —C(O)NH—; and each D is independently a C₁-C₂₄ divalent linear orbranched alkylene radical.
 2. The liquid fabric enhancer according toclaim 1, said liquid fabric enhancer having a pH of from about 2 toabout
 5. 3. A liquid fabric enhancer according to claim 1, said liquidfabric enhancer comprising, based on total liquid fabric enhancerweight, from about 1% to 50% of a fabric softener active.
 4. A liquidfabric enhancer according to claim 3, wherein said fabric softeningactive is a quaternary ammonium ester of the following formula:{R2(4−m)—N+-[X—Y—R1]m}A- wherein: m is 1, 2 or 3 with proviso that thevalue of each m is identical; each R₁ is independently hydrocarbyl, orbranched hydrocarbyl group; each R₂ is independently a C₁-C₃ alkyl orhydroxyalkyl group; each X is independently —(CH₂)n-, —CH₂—CH(CH₃)— or—CH—(CH₃)—CH₂— and each n is independently 1, 2, 3 or 4; each Y isindependently —O—(O)C— or —C(O)—O—; A- is independently selected fromthe group consisting of chloride, methyl sulfate, and ethyl sulfate;with the proviso that when Y is —O—(O)C—, the sum of carbons in each R₁is from 13 to
 21. 5. The liquid fabric enhancer according to claim 3,wherein said fabric softening active is selected from the groupconsisting of ester quats, amide quats, imidazoline quats, alkyl quats,amidoester quats and combinations thereof.
 6. The liquid fabric enhanceraccording to claim 3, wherein said fabric softening active is selectedfrom the group consisting of bis-(2-hydroxypropyl)-dimethylammoniummethylsulphate fatty acid ester,1,2-di(acyloxy)-3-trimethylammoniopropane chloride, N,N-bis(stearoyl-oxy-ethyl)-N,N-dimethyl ammonium chloride,N,N-bis(tallowoyl-oxy-ethyl) N,N-dimethyl ammonium chloride,N,N-bis(stearoyl-oxy-ethyl)N-(2 hydroxyethyl)-N-methyl ammoniummethylsulfate, N,N-bis-(stearoyl-2-hydroxypropyl)-N,N-dimethylammoniummethylsulphate, N,N-bis-(tallowoyl-2-hydroxypropyl)-N,N-dimethylammoniummethylsulphate, N,N-bis-(palmitoyl-2-hydroxypropyl)-N,N-dimethylammoniummethylsulphate, N,N-bis-(stearoyl-2-hydroxypropyl)-N,N-dimethylammoniumchloride, 1, 2 di (stearoyl-oxy) 3 trimethyl ammoniumpropane chloride,dicanoladimethylammonium chloride, di(hard)tallowdimethylammoniumchloride dicanoladimethylammonium methylsulfate, dipalmethylhydroxyethylammoinum methosulfate, and mixtures thereof.
 7. A liquidfabric enhancer according to claim 1, said liquid fabric enhancercomprising, based on total liquid fabric enhancer weight, a materialselected from the group consisting of one or more of the following: a)from about 0.001% to about 15% of an anionic surfactant scavenger; b)from about 0.01% to about 10%, of a delivery enhancing agent; c) fromabout 0.005% to about 30% of a perfume; d) from about 0.005% to about30% of a perfume delivery system, e) from about 0.0001% to about 10% ofa hueing dye; f) from about 0.0001% to about 10% of a dye transferinhibiting agent; g) from about 0.01% to about 20% of a structurant; h)from about 0.05% to about 20% of a fabric care benefit agent; i) fromabout 0.05% to about 10% a surfactant; j) a carrier; and k) mixturesthereof.
 8. The liquid fabric enhancer according to claim 7, said liquidfabric enhancer comprising said perfume delivery system, where saidperfume delivery system comprises a perfume capsule comprising a shelland a core comprising perfume, said shell encapsulating said core. 9.The liquid fabric enhancer according to claim 8, wherein said shellcomprises a polyacrylate and/or an aminoplast.
 10. A liquid fabricenhancer according to claim 7 wherein: a) said anionic surfactantscavenger comprises a water soluble cationic and/or zwitterionicscavenger compound; b) said delivery enhancing agent comprises amaterial selected from the group consisting of a cationic polymer havinga charge density from about 0.05 milliequivalent/g to about 23milliequivalent per gram of polymer, an amphoteric polymer having acharge density from about 0.05 milliequivalent/g to about 23milliequivalent per gram of polymer, a protein having a charge densityfrom about 0.05 milliequivalent/g to about 23 milliequivalent per gramof protein and mixtures thereof; c) said perfume delivery system isselected from the group consisting of Polymer Assisted Delivery system,Molecule-Assisted Delivery system, Cyclodextrin system, StarchEncapsulated Accord system, Zeolite & Inorganic Carrier system, andmixtures thereof d) said hueing dye comprising a moiety selected thegroup consisting of acridine, anthraquinone, azine, azo, benzodifuraneand benzodifuranone, carotenoid, coumarin, cyanine, diazahemicyanine,diphenylmethane, formazan, hemicyanine, indigoid, methane,naphthalimide, naphthoquinone, nitro and nitroso, oxazine,phthalocyanine, pyrazole, stilbene, styryl, triarylmethane,triphenylmethane, xanthene and mixtures thereof; e) said dye transferinhibiting agent is selected from the group consistingpolyvinylpyrrolidone polymers, polyamine N-oxide polymers, copolymers ofN-vinylpyrrolidone and N-vinylimidazole, polyvinyloxazolidones andpolyvinylimidazoles or mixtures thereof; f) said structurant is selectedfrom the group consisting of hydrogenated castor oil, gellan gum,starches, derivatized starches, carrageenan, guar gum, pectin, xanthangum, modified celluloses, microcrystalline celluloses modified proteins,hydrogenated polyalkylenes, non-hydrogenated polyalkenes, inorganicsalts, clay, homo- and co-polymers comprising cationic monomers selectedfrom the group consisting of N,N-dialkylaminoalkyl methacrylate,N,N-dialkylaminoalkyl methyl methacrylate, N,N-dialkylaminoalkylacrylate, N,N-dialkylaminoalkyl acrylamide,N,N-dialkylaminoalkylmethacrylamide, quaternized N,N-dialkylaminoalkylmethacrylate, quaternized N,N-dialkylaminoalkyl methyl methacrylate,quaternized N,N-dialkylaminoalkyl acrylate, quaternizedN,N-dialkylaminoalkyl acrylamide, quaternizedN,N-dialkylaminoalkylmethacrylamide, and mixtures thereof; g) saidfabric care benefit agent is selected from the group consisting ofpolyglycerol esters, oily sugar derivatives, wax emulsions, silicones,polyisobutylene, polyolefins and mixtures thereof; h) said surfactant isselected from the group consisting of, nonionic surfactants, ampholyticsurfactants, cationic surfactants, zwitterionic surfactants, andmixtures thereof i) said carrier is selected from the group consistingof water, 1,2-propanediol, hexylene glycol, ethanol, isopropanol,glycerol, C₁-C₄ alkanolamines, salts, sugars, polyalkylene oxides;polyethylene glycols; polypropylene oxide, and mixtures thereof.
 11. Aliquid fabric enhancer according to claim 7 wherein: a) said anionicsurfactant scavenger is selected from the group consisting of monoalkylquaternary ammonium compounds, amine precursors of monoalkyl quaternaryammonium compounds, dialkyl quaternary ammonium compounds, and amineprecursors of dialkyl quaternary ammonium compounds, polyquaternaryammonium compounds, amine precursors of polyquaternary ammoniumcompounds, and mixtures thereof; b) said delivery enhancing agent isselected from the group consisting of cationic polysaccaharides,polyethyleneimine and its derivatives, polyamidoamines and homopolymers,copolymers and terpolymers made from one or more cationic monomersselected from the group consisting of N,N-dialkylaminoalkylmethacrylate, N,N-dialkylaminoalkyl methyl methacrylate,N,N-dialkylaminoalkyl acrylate, N,N-dialkylaminoalkyl acrylamide,N,N-dialkylaminoalkylmethacrylamide, quaternized N,N-dialkylaminoalkylmethacrylate, quaternized N,N-dialkylaminoalkyl methyl methacrylate,quaternized N,N-dialkylaminoalkyl acrylate, quaternizedN,N-dialkylaminoalkyl acrylamide, quaternizedN,N-dialkylaminoalkylmethacrylamide, vinylamine and its derivatives,allylamine and its derivatives, vinyl imidazole, quaternized vinylimidazole and diallyl dialkyl ammonium chloride and combinationsthereof, and optionally a second monomer selected from the groupconsisting of acrylamide, N,N-dialkyl acrylamide, methacrylamide,N,N-dialkylmethacrylamide, C₁-C₁₂ alkyl acrylate, C₁-C₁₂ hydroxyalkylacrylate, polyalkylene glyol acrylate, C₁-C₁₂ alkyl methacrylate, C₁-C₁₂hydroxyalkyl methacrylate, polyalkylene glycol methacrylate, vinylacetate, vinyl alcohol, vinyl formamide, vinyl acetamide, vinyl alkylether, vinyl pyridine, vinyl pyrrolidone, vinyl imidazole andderivatives, acrylic acid, methacrylic acid, maleic acid, vinyl sulfonicacid, styrene sulfonic acid, acrylamidopropylmethane sulfonic acid(AMPS) and their salts, and combinations thereof.
 12. A liquid fabricenhancer according to claim 1, the branched polyester having: Formula 1

wherein: a) the index n is an integer from 4 to about 40; b) T is ahydrogen or —C(O)—R₁ wherein R₁ is an alkyl chain comprising from 11 to17 carbon atoms; c) each A is independently a branched hydrocarbon chaincomprising from 12 to 20 carbon atoms; d) Y is selected from —O— and

e) Q is selected from the group consisting of: i) —B; and ii) —Z—X—Z—Wwherein B is a substituted C₁-C₂₄ alkyl group; each Z is independently asubstituted or unsubstituted divalent C₂-C₂₀ alkylene; each R₂ isindependently selected from the group consisting of hydrogen or a C₁-C₈alkyl; each R₆ is independently a hydrogen or methyl; each s isindependently an integer from about 2 to about 4; each w isindependently an integer from 1 to about 10; X is polysiloxane moietyhaving the formula

wherein each R₃ is independently selected from the group consisting ofH; C₁-C₃₂ alkyl; C₁-C₃₂ substituted alkyl, C₅-C₃₂ or C₆-C₃₂ aryl, C₅-C₃₂or C₆-C₃₂ substituted aryl; C₆-C₃₂ alkylaryl, C₆-C₃₂ substitutedalkylaryl, and C₁-C₃₂ alkoxy moieties; and j is an integer from 5 toabout 1000; W is selected from the group consisting of —OR₄,

each R₂ is independently selected from the group consisting of hydrogenor a C₁-C₈ alkyl; R₄ is selected from a hydrogen atom, a C₁-C₂₄ alkylgroup or a substituted C₁-C₂₄ alkyl group, said substituents being from1 to 4 functional moieties selected from the group consisting ofhydroxyl, primary amine, secondary amine, tertiary amine, quaternaryammonium group and mixtures thereof, C₅-C₃₂ or C₆-C₃₂ aryl, C₅-C₃₂ orC₆-C₃₂ substituted aryl; C₆-C₃₂ alkylaryl, and C₆-C₃₂ substitutedalkylaryl; and/or Formula 2

wherein: a) each index n is independently an integer from 1 to about100; b) T is a hydrogen atom or —C(O)—R₁ wherein R₁ is an alkyl chaincomprising from 11 to 17 carbon atoms; c) each A is independently abranched hydrocarbon chain comprising from 12 to 20 carbon atoms; d)each Y is independently selected from the group consisting of oxygen andNR₂, wherein each R₂ is independently selected from the group consistingof hydrogen or a C₁-C₈ alkyl; e) M is selected from the group consistingof: i) a C₁-C₂₄ divalent linear or branched alkylene radical, saidC₁-C₂₄ divalent linear or branched alkylene radical comprising one tofour functional groups selected from the group consisting of hydroxyl,primary amine, secondary amine, tertiary amine, quaternary ammoniumgroup and mixtures thereof; ii) —Z—X—Z— iii) -(D-U—Z—X—Z—U)_(m)-D-wherein: m is an integer from 1 to about 10; each Z is independently asubstituted or unsubstituted divalent C₂-C₂₀ alkylene; X is polysiloxanemoiety, having the formula:

wherein each R₃ is independently selected from the group consisting ofH; C₁-C₃₂ alkyl; C₁-C₃₂ substituted alkyl, C₅-C₃₂ or C₆-C₃₂ aryl; C₅-C₃₂or C₆-C₃₂ substituted aryl; C₆-C₃₂ alkylaryl; C₆-C₃₂ substitutedalkylaryl; and C₁-C₃₂ alkoxy moieties; and j is an integer from 5 toabout 1000; U is —C(O)O— or —C(O)NH—; and each D is independently aC₁-C₂₄ divalent linear or branched alkylene radical that comprises oneto four functional groups selected from the group consisting ofhydroxyl, primary amine, secondary amine, tertiary amine, quaternaryammonium group and mixtures thereof.
 13. A liquid fabric enhanceraccording to claim 1 wherein said branched polyester polymers havingFormula 1 and Formula 2 each have a weight average molecular weight offrom about 500 g/mol to about 400,000 g/mol.
 14. A liquid fabricenhancer according to claim 1, wherein each A of said branched polyesterpolymers is independently a branched hydrocarbon with the structure

wherein each R₇ is a monovalent alkyl or substituted alkyl group and R₈is an unsaturated or saturated divalent alkylene radical comprising from1 to about 24 carbon atoms.
 15. A liquid fabric enhancer according toclaim 1, wherein each A of said branched polyester polymers has thestructure:


16. A liquid fabric enhancer according to claim 1, wherein said branchedpolyester polymers each have an iodine value from about 0 to about 90.17. A liquid fabric enhancer according to claim 1, wherein the branchedpolyester has a formula according to Formula 2, wherein T is —C(O)—R₁;

wherein A has the structure wherein Y is oxygen; wherein M=ii) —Z—X—Z—;and wherein X is a polysiloxane moiety having the formula:


18. A liquid fabric enhancer according to claim 1, wherein the branchedpolyester has a formula according to Formula
 2. 19. A liquid fabricenhancer according to claim 1, wherein the branched polyester has aformula according to Formula 1, wherein Q is selected from the groupconsisting of: (ii) —Z—X—Z—W, and (iii) —V—U—Z—X—Z—W.
 20. A liquidfabric enhancer according to claim 1, wherein the branched polyester hasa formula according to Formula 2, wherein M is selected from the groupconsisting of: (v) —Z—X—Z—; and (vi) -(D-U—Z—X—Z—U)_(m)-D-.
 21. A methodof treating and/or cleaning a fabric, said method comprising a)optionally washing and/or rinsing said fabric; b) acting said fabricwith a liquid fabric enhancer according to claim 1; c) optionallywashing and/or rinsing said fabric; and d) optionally passively oractively drying said fabric.